Have you ever grabbed your laptop at a coffee shop, connected to the free Wi-Fi, and got to work without a second thought? You’re not alone. Whether it’s airports, hotels, or cafés, public Wi-Fi makes life so much easier. But sadly, it comes with quite a few risks too.
One of these risks is hackers using “pineapple” devices to launch Man-in-the-Middle (MiTM) attacks. The unusual title of this blog is making sense now, isn’t it! Whilst the name might seem funny, these attackers are anything but. So, what are they and how can you protect yourself from them?
What is a pineapple device?
Before we go any further, let’s get clear on what a pineapple device actually is. Pineapple is a small, portable device that hackers use to manipulate Wi-Fi networks. Originally designed as a tool for penetration testers (they’re the good guys who help organisations find and fix security vulnerabilities), it’s now often exploited by cybercriminals.
Here’s how it works:
The Pineapple tricks your device into thinking it’s connecting to a legitimate Wi-Fi network. Once you’re connected, the hacker gains the ability to intercept your internet traffic, monitor your activity, and even manipulate the data being sent or received.
The device achieves this by mimicking trusted networks like “CoffeeShop_WiFi” or “FreeAirportInternet” using a process called “SSID spoofing.” Your phone or laptop sees the familiar name and connects automatically. From there, the attacker can quietly sit between you and the websites or services you’re accessing, essentially eavesdropping on everything you do – including gathering passwords and sensitive information.
Where do pineapple and man-in-the-middle-attacks happen?
As you’d expect, public spaces are prime hunting grounds for hackers using Pineapples. Cafés, airports, hotels, and libraries are particularly risky because they offer free Wi-Fi networks with little to no security.
Cafés: Casual browsing and catching up on work are common here, but it’s also where people might accidentally log into their bank accounts or email.
Airports: With thousands of travellers eager to connect, airports are absolute gold mines for hackers. Many travellers don’t think twice before joining a network named “FreeAirportWiFi.”
Hotels: Guests often assume hotel Wi-Fi networks are safe because they’re password protected. In reality, these networks are just as vulnerable to MiTM attacks.
How to protect yourself
You might have read the above and now be thinking to yourself “I’m never using public Wi-Fi again”; and whilst this strategy will protect you, it’s not always realistic to avoid public Wi-Fi all of the time. But there is some good news, with a few smart habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a Pineapple-enabled MiTM attack.
Use a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for attackers to intercept or read your data. Even if you’re connected to a rogue network, a VPN adds a layer of protection.
Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections
Disable the feature on your phone or laptop that automatically connects to open networks. This simple step can stop your device from unknowingly linking to a fake network and gives you time to carefully assess networks before you connect to them.
Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi
Public networks aren’t the place for checking your bank account, making purchases, or entering passwords, so make sure that you save these activities for a secure, private network.
Verify network names
Always double-check network names before connecting. If you’re in a coffee shop, ask the staff for the correct Wi-Fi name. Hackers often rely on users connecting to networks that “sound” right.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Even if a hacker gets your login credentials, they’ll still need a second verification step to access your account, this can be the difference between losing money or not.
Keep your software updated
Regular updates often include security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities, so staying up to date reduces your exposure to attacks.
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