How Frag Attack Vulnerabilities Can Damage Your Organization

Wi-Fi was first seriously integrated around 1997. As our understanding of technology advanced, our awareness of security vulnerabilities with the technology behind Wi-Fi also emerged. The issue known as Frag Attacks, or fragmentation and aggregation attacks, represents a recently discovered security problem with Wi-Fi that’s been around since its inception that can potentially affect any device that uses the technology.

Find out how Frag Attack vulnerability is keeping you from having a protected Wi-Fi network.

What is a Frag Attack?

Frag Attacks essentially trick your device into thinking it is doing something safe on a secured server. In reality, attackers have sent traffic accessing unsecured Wi-Fi servers to a malicious network with a clone of the visitors’ intended website (such as a personal banking site). That visitor may then input personal information such as usernames or passwords that the hacker can then steal.

Additionally, an attacker may inject malicious code into a router’s firewall, allowing them to see your personal IP address and destinations from the user interaction. Frag Attacks were only recently discovered by a security researcher named Mathy Vanhoef, who also discovered KRACK, which exposed 12 potential security issues with Wi-Fi that make up the different types of Frag Attacks. Nearly all Wi-Fi devices are susceptible to this attack. However, older devices that do not receive software updates are the most vulnerable to these design flaws.

How to Protect Against Frag Attacks

After Frag Attacks were discovered, companies such as Microsoft were informed and took the chance to release crucial software updates to protect their devices against the attacks. However, these are not the only Wi-Fi servers and networks that exist. Corporate networks, densely populated centers where public Wi-Fi exists, and shared radio ranges all represent common Frag Attack targets. Fortunately, there are a few ways to protect your data and your devices:

1. Stay up to date with security updates

Always make sure your device is using the most recent software released to ensure any bugs or security concerns have been patched. Using older devices that are no longer supported by crucial security updates can put you at risk of being a potential target for cybersecurity concerns. Turning on auto-updates, whether personal devices or company-wide, can be an excellent strategy for protecting against Frag Attacks.

2. Avoid using obsolete devices

As outlined above, obsolete devices may not receive support in the form of software updates that fix security holes. For companies, it’s best to always use currently supported technology to help ensure that you stay protected. From a personal standpoint, this extends to being willing to invest some money to update your technology, whether that be purchasing a new computer or router.

3. Only use encrypted servers

The basis of a Frag Attack is convincing your computer or device you are doing something safely. However, it can only do this by targeting non-encrypted and unsecured servers. When browsing the Internet, look for the “HTTPS” symbol and a little “lock” icon indicating you are using a secure server.

Protect your security today

Keeping your organization protected against frag attacks can seem daunting when you don’t know where to start. You can safeguard against security breaches and data theft by identifying your Wi-Fi vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity protection should always be at the top of mind when modernizing your organization and integrating new technology. That’s where our specialists here at Warwick can help. We’ll help you determine the best Wi-Fi security protocols for your organization. If your business is in Columbus, Cleveland, or Akron, and you’re ready to learn how to protect against frag attack vulnerability, get in touch with us here at Warwick today.