“Contagious” Wi-Fi Virus Created by Liverpool Researchers

A team of researchers have invented a wi-fi computer virus that spreads from network to network like the common cold – with the goal of inventing and integrating detection systems at wi-fi access points. “The virus, dubbed Chameleon, seeks out wi-fi access points – devices that transmit the wi-fi signal, found in many homes – that have not had their admin password changed,” Dave Lee reports for BBC News. “This password is different from the one used to log on to the wi-fi network itself, and is often left unchanged from the default setting.” Once hackers control the wi-fi access point, they can obtain passwords, data and access to connecting networks. The research team is developing software that would prevent such a wi-fi virus from spreading. Users could be more pro-active about understanding and applying strong passwords at every stage of computer use. – YaleGlobal