As part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Attorney General Ashley Moody is alerting Floridians to the dangers of “Evil Twin” cyber scams.
In this scam, cybercriminals create fake Wi-Fi networks with names similar to trusted networks, hoping users will connect and unknowingly share personal information. In some cases, scammers may also design fake mobile apps that mimic legitimate ones to steal user data.
One example earlier this year involved a scammer setting up a portable Wi-Fi hotspot with the same name as an airline’s onboard Wi-Fi network.
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“October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we are warning Floridians about an online threat called Evil Twin scams,” said Attorney General Moody. “Cybercriminals can use this scam to target victims both through fake Wi-Fi networks and imposter mobile applications to steal personal information. To avoid this scheme, verify the Wi-Fi network is legitimate with the provider before connecting and check reviews of apps before downloading them to your phone.”
How Evil Twin Scams Work:
- Wi-Fi Networks: Hackers create Wi-Fi hotspots that appear identical to legitimate networks in public locations like coffee shops, airports, or hotels. Once a user connects, hackers can monitor activity and steal sensitive data.
- Mobile Apps: Scammers may develop apps that closely resemble popular, trusted ones. Downloading these apps can lead to stolen login credentials, financial information, or malware installation.
Tips to Avoid Evil Twin Scams:
- Verify Wi-Fi networks with the provider by confirming the exact network name with staff or posted instructions.
- Look for https:// in URLs when visiting websites or ensure a padlock icon is present, indicating a secure connection.
- Download apps only from official stores and review the app’s publisher and user reviews for authenticity.
- Use a VPN to encrypt data, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to access personal information on public Wi-Fi.
- Disable file sharing and automatic Wi-Fi connections on devices.
- Avoid conducting financial transactions or logging in to personal accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi.
If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to an Evil Twin scam, report it to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Computer Crime Center or file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. For additional consumer alerts, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.
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