The FBI advisory explains how public/hotel Wi-Fi networks usually offer only low-level security. A combination of out-of-date hardware and lax security result where Wi-Fi ease-of-use is prioritized over protection.
Smaller hotels may even post signs at the service desk giving the Wi-Fi system password. And they rarely change the password, which enables access by bad actors.
The FBI specifically warns of low-tech Man-in-the-Middle attacks, where an attacker only needs a standard laptop and some low-cost equipment to create a fake hotspot. This is called a “Rogue Access Point” attack.
Not every MITM attack needs physical proximity. Several strains of malware exist that can hijack traffic and inject malicious information wherever an infection spreads.
Cybersecurity is being spotlighted in 2020 with the recent phishing, malware, and ransomware attacks.
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