KRACK Vulnerability

This page is specifically written to help members to understand the most relevant aspects of KRACK Wi-Fi attacks.

What is KRACK?

• KRACKs stands for Key Re-installation Attacks and refers to attacks on Wi-Fi networks using weaknesses in the WPA2 protocol which secures most modern protected Wi-Fi networks.
• KRACKs allow attackers to read and access information on Wi-Fi networks that were considered secured.
• Wi-Fi networks use a password through WPA2 for two general purposes:
  • Controlling who can connect to the network; and
  • Encrypt (or conceal) the data shared over the network between the access point (Modem or Router) and clients (computers, phones, tablets, etc). Encryption is done by using the Wi-Fi password to generate an even stronger key that is used to encrypt the data between the access point and client.

Why should I care?

• WPA2 is widely used and is presently the strongest form of Wi-Fi security available to the average person including modems configured by NCF.
• Almost every client device is vulnerable to KRACK whether on Wi-Fi at home or elsewhere.
  • Variations of KRACK can be used against clients of various kinds including devices running Android, Apple, Windows and Linux OSs.

Should I be worried?

NO. Why?

• NCF modems with standard configuration are NOT VULNERABLE to KRACK. Nevertheless, NCF will continue the practice of making firmware updates available as they become available from our modem providers.
  • Modems or routers connected to each other in a wireless chain (using WDS) are potential at risk unless a patch is applied.
  • Also, other networking devices like Wi-Fi repeaters and extenders which are not connected to your modem by ethernet may be vulnerable.
• And, although your modem/router may not be vulnerable, your client devices may be. Updating your devices with a security patch that address KRACK will protect each device from this vulnerability.
• Vulnerability vs Infection: Be vigilant but do not be anxious. A security vulnerability on a device does not mean that device is already infected or has a high likelihood of being infected. Follow the recommendations in the sections below to be safe against this vulnerability and keep informed.
• Proximity: An attacker needs to be within wireless range of your network (close enough to connect to your Wi-Fi).
• Time: This attack works only during periods of connection and re-connection of your client device to a Wi-Fi network. As such, an attacker has a very limited time window in which to attempt this attack (usually a few seconds).

What should I do?

NCF website showing secure logo

1. Update the operating system on your phone, computer and other client devices when they receive security updates. Each device you update becomes protected against the KRACK vulnerability.
   • You can check if your client devices have received updates
2. Do not trust Wi-Fi outside of your home (public Wi-Fi). KRACK is just one of many known security risks associated with using public Wi-Fi. Using a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is one way of keeping your data encrypted on public Wi-Fi.
3. Connect your devices where possible to the modem by ethernet cables, especially those without an available security update.
4. Use HTTPS to connect to secured services and websites. This means information transmitted to such web pages will have end-to-end encryption. Web pages that use HTTPS or another secure connection will include HTTPS in the URL.
   • Check on your browser's address bar to ensure the. If your browser shows a little lock in the address bar and says "secure," you should be safe.
   • HTTPS Everywhere for Chrome
   • HTTPS Everywhere for Mozilla Firefox
5. Consider using a VPN service.

External links

• Krack Attacks Website by Mathy Vanhoef of imec-DistriNet
• Krack Attacks FAQ
• Microsoft Security TechCenter KRACK Update
• Ars Technica Reports on KRACK
• NCF Discussion Group on KRACK
• TP-Link KRACKs Vulnerability Statement
• Good online references for understanding some of the terms used in this article are Webopedia and Wikipedia