Earlier this week, cybersecurity researcher Mathy Vanhoef discovered a loophole in the security of routers, due to which unencrypted data can easily leak and fall into the wrong hands.
The vulnerability – dubbed KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability — is because of a glitch in the WPA2 encryption protocol, employed worldwide by most routers to encrypt Wi-Fi traffic.
So, if you have a router that employs WPA2 encryption protocol, then you are also among the millions and millions of affected people.
But how can a hacker exploit this backdoor and what information can they gain through this vulnerability? Let us explain.
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What Exactly is KRACK Wi-Fi Vulnerability?
The WPA2 encryption protocol was previously considered to be fully secure, however, because of the recently discovered KRACK vulnerability, hackers can intercept some of the traffic between your device and the router. Because of this vulnerability, a hacker can:
- View and store your unencrypted data transmitted via Wi-Fi
- Manipulate data on a Wi-Fi network
- Steal your passwords, financial data, and other sensitive information
- Access and control your IoT devices
How You Can Protect Yourself from the KRACK Wi-Fi Vulnerability
When it comes to protecting yourself from this new menace, there are some simple ways to go about it. To begin with, you can
Update the Firmware of Your Router Immediately
One of the most effective ways to protect your device against a vulnerability is a security fix, aka an update. It is imperative that you check your router’s firmware version and see if it has recently been auto-updated after the KRACK discovery.
If the firmware has not been updated automatically, check manually if the router’s manufacturer has rolled out a firmware update. If the manufacturer hasn’t rolled out any fix yet, it would be wise not to use the router for a while.
Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
Well, we can’t live without the Internet. Can we? So, if you are putting your WiFi aside for a while (until a security fix), use the Ethernet connection. It is better to turn off the WiFi option on all your smart devices and use the Ethernet connection on your laptop or PC to access the Internet.
But what about when you are on the go?
Use Cellular Data Instead Of Wi-Fi on Cellphones
Who says that you can’t access the Internet on the go without a WiFi? Well, we have mobile data plans such as 3G or 4G, don’t we!
You can always use the Internet provided by your network carrier. However, a word of advice: keep the WiFi turned off when you use the mobile data plan to keep your mobile device protected from the menace of KRACK Wi-Fi
Sadly, not everyone can afford the continuous use of cellular data, and using an Ethernet cable is just not viable since it takes away the mobility we have all grown accustomed to.
So, when it comes to a complete solution for KRACK Wi-FI protection, the best tool to trust is a VPN, especially PureVPN since we offer:
- Unbreakable WiFi security
- Military-grade encryption
- Antivirus and anti-malware
- Content filter
- Internet Kill Switch
- And much more for KRACK Wi-Fi protection
Ensure Your Security, Especially on Public Wi-Fi Hotspots
Public Wi-Fi hotspots are hunting grounds for hackers, and it’s probably where you will be targeted via the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability.
In order to protect yourself from the KRACK Wi-FI vulnerability, make sure your VPN is activated and connected whenever you connect to a public Wi-Fi. This way, all the data you transmit, even via a public Wi-Fi router, will be encrypted and hidden from prying eyes.
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The same goes for public Wi-Fi providers. If you’re a coffee shop owner or some other business owner that offers Wi-Fi to their customers, it is your duty to protect your customers’ online data.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not asking you to become a cybersecurity expert and employ the most sophisticated software out there; PureVPN would do the job easily and without breaking your bank. Install PureVN on your network so your customers can remain safe on your network.









I run pvpn as an administrator. I have activated the internet kill switch, but have noticed on several occasions the when my pvpn connection is lost my internet connection is still running, this i find concerning. I tether my laptop through my smart phone, which also has pvpn on it, by does not seem to have the option of the internet kill switch why ? or am I doing something wrong
Please contact our support staff via the live chat feature. They will help you sort this out in no time.