A new vulnerability in wi-fi could allow hackers to break into the network that connects your computers, phones and all the other Internet-connected devices in your home or office. The exploit, called Krack, allows a hacker to access your stuff, even if you protect your network with a secure password. To defeat Krack, companies that make phones, routers and even your Internet-connected TV, need to patch their software, and, in many cases have you update your devices.
Digital savant Omar Gallaga of the Austin American-Statesman’s 512 Tech says you may not have heard about Krack, but tech companies have, and they’re working to deliver fixes to their customers.
“The reason to panic about this one is how widespread it is,” Gallaga says. “If you’ve ever installed a router, or log into a lot of wi-fi networks – the WPA2 encryption standard – tht’s what it’s affecting. The scary thing about it is that hackers can get into your data without even being on the same network.”
What you’ll learn in this segment:
–What devices you may own that are at risk from Krack
–What impact Krack could have in the wider world
–What you can do to stay safe
