A computer virus that can spread via wi-fi like a “common cold” has been created by researchers in Liverpool.
In densely populated areas with lots of wi-fi networks, the virus can go from network to network finding weaknesses.
Once in control of a wi-fi access point, it leaves computers on the network extremely vulnerable.
The team’s lead researcher told the BBC it was working on software to prevent such attacks being possible.
“Rather than rely on people to use strong passwords, you want to integrate intrusion detection systems to the access points,” said Alan Marshall, professor of communication networks at the University of Liverpool.
He would not go into detail about the methods in order to prevent the attack being used on real victims but said a proof-of-concept attack had been developed at the university.
Source: Dave LeeTechnology reporter, BBC News