There are several things you can watch out for to identify evil twin networks:
Network name (SSID): Pay attention to the name of the Wi-Fi networks you connect to. If you notice a network with a name that closely resembles a legitimate network you usually connect to, or two similar networks in the same location that causes confusion about which to use this could be a sign of an evil twin. Attackers often create fake networks with similar names to trick users into connecting.
Weak or no password: If the network you’re connecting to has a weak password – or no password at all – this is cause for concern. Most legitimate networks have security measures in place, and a lack of proper authentication may indicate that you are connecting to an evil twin network.
Unexpected login screens: When connecting to a network, if you’re presented with unexpected login screens, especially those requesting personal information or login credentials, this is a huge red flag. Legitimate networks typically don’t prompt you for personal information unless it’s a known captive portal like in hotels or airports.
Unusual behavior or errors: If you experience unusual network behavior, frequent disconnections, or encounter error messages while connected to a Wi-Fi network, it could indicate an evil twin attack. Attackers may try to redirect your traffic or intercept your communication, leading to these connectivity issues.
SSL certificate warnings: If you receive SSL certificate warnings or security alerts when visiting websites that usually load without issues this could be a sign that your traffic is being exploited by a Man in the Middle Attack. Evil twin attackers often intercept secure connections to gather sensitive information causing errors ad warnings.
It’s essential to exercise caution and always attempt to verify the legitimacy of Wi-Fi networks before connecting. Always connect to trusted networks, use a VPN for added security, and be cautious when entering personal information on public networks. Try only to use services that require personal information on private networks whenever possible.