A recent report from Nozomi Networks Labs has revealed that a staggering 94% of Wi-Fi networks remain inadequately protected against deauthentication attacks, which exploit weaknesses in wireless protocols. The analysis, based on data from over 500,000 wireless networks worldwide, indicates a serious security gap in both everyday and mission-critical environments. Industries like healthcare, where vulnerabilities could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive patient data, and industrial sectors, where such attacks can disrupt operations or halt production lines, are particularly at risk. The findings underscore the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities to avoid potentially catastrophic outcomes in sectors that depend on seamless wireless communication.
Deauthentication attacks work by exploiting flaws in Wi-Fi protocols, particularly in the management frames that handle communication between devices and access points.
Attackers can send fake deauthentication frames to forcibly disconnect devices, potentially leading to severe consequences. In some cases, the attackers can intercept data or gain unauthorized access when these attacks are combined with other malicious activities.
The report also highlighted several other threats, including rogue access points, which are unauthorized devices set up by attackers to trick legitimate devices into connecting. These fake access points expose sensitive data and create entry points for additional cyber threats. Eavesdropping is another significant risk, especially in unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places like airports or hotels, where attackers can intercept unencrypted communication and steal credentials or monitor operations.
The report also revealed concerning trends in cyber threat activity.
During the second half of last year, 48.4% of the observed cyber threat alerts occurred during the impact phase of the cyber kill chain, showing that attackers were already inside systems and causing damage. Industries such as manufacturing, transportation, energy, and utilities experienced the highest levels of threat activity. The report’s findings highlight the growing threat of adversaries targeting critical infrastructure and their persistence in maintaining access to compromised systems. Cybercriminals are increasingly focusing on systems with weak security measures, exploiting vulnerabilities to expand their reach and control over key operational processes.
In addition to highlighting cyber threat trends, the report provided insights into the growing number of vulnerabilities in industrial control systems (ICS) and critical infrastructure. Among the 619 newly published vulnerabilities in the second half of 2024, 71% were classified as critical, with some already being actively exploited in the wild. Vulnerabilities in sectors like critical manufacturing were especially concerning, accounting for 75% of all Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) in the last six months.
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