The Inquirer's Nick Farrell today picks up on a Network World article warning of the proliferation of 'evil twin' networks near Wi-Fi hotspots.

"The next time you splurge on a double latte and sip it while browsing the Internet via the cafe's Wi-Fi, beware of the 'evil twin,'" warns NetworkWorld's Jeremy Kirk. "That's the term for a Wi-Fi access point that appears to be a legitimate one offered on the premises, but actually has been set up by a hacker to eavesdrop on wireless communications among Internet surfers."

Phil Cracknell, president of the UK branch of the Information Systems Security Association, says these attacks are on the rise. "You are going to harvest some incredible information in a short span of time with a rogue hotspot," he says.

How should you protect yourself? "Be wary of free hotspots," Kirk writes. "Many airports and cafes charge for access, so a free hotspot could be designed to ensnare potential victims. Also, the attack has been used in hotels, with the 'evil twin' actually coming from a nearby hacker guest."

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