Hackers have cracked the security layer that protects Wi-Fi networks, potentially allowing them to intercept encrypted data or infect websites with malware.<br /><br />According to Mathy Vanhoef of KU Leuven, a university in Belgium, it affects the WPA2, a security protocol that protects modern Wi-Fi networks.<br /><br />The WPA2 protocol works using a so-called “four-way handshake.” <br /><br />The initial part of the handshake takes place when a user puts in the correct password to access a Wi-Fi network. <br /><br />The next step is when a new encryption key is generated to encrypt subsequent traffic.<br /><br />Hackers are able to manipulate this process through what is known as a key reinstallation attack (KRACK).<br /><br />Vanhoef found that operating systems such as Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows could all be affected.<br /><br />The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recommended installing vendor updates on affected products, such as routers provided by Cisco Systems or Juniper Networks.<br /><br />Any device connected to a Wi-Fi network could be affected, but it only works if the attacker is within range of a victim.<br /><br />But the researchers say it could be “catastrophic” to a certain version of Linux and “exceptionally devastating” to devices running Android 6.0 and above.<br /><br />Vanhoef said that he is not sure if this flaw is being exploited currently.<br />
