NordVPN: Hackers can use Wi-Fi names to find out home location and steal data

How does a person's phone reveal the Wi-Fi name? How does a person's phone reveal the Wi-Fi name? A phone is continuously looking for trusted Wi-Fi networks. Once a person gets close to home or work, the device automatically connects to the network it finds there. This is convenient, but by continually broadcasting these "joining requests", the phone gives out a lot ofvaluable informationabout it. Can hackers find out where a person lives? Having "joining requests" combined...

How does a person's phone reveal the Wi-Fi name?

A phone is continuously looking for trusted Wi-Fi networks. Once a person gets close to home or work, the device automatically connects to the network it finds there. This is convenient, but by continually broadcasting these "joining requests", the phone gives out a lot of valuable information about it.

Can hackers find out where a person lives?

Having "joining requests" combined with Wigle's data, a hacker only needs a Wi-Fi name to figure out the user's living location.

"A hacker can stick the scanner under a park bench, under a table at the coffee shop, or just carry it in his backpack," says Daniel Markuson from NordVPN. "You won't notice it, but the scanner will passively log all nearby Wi-Fi requests."

How to protect yourself?

As scary as it sounds, Daniel Markuson says that there are ways to protect yourself, and most of them don't require much technical knowledge.

www.nordvpn.com