Wifi Goes Viral
Computer scientists at the University of Liverpool have engineered a virus like no other. Known as “Chameleon,” the computer virus is designed to spread airborne through wireless connection networks and is as swift as the common cold.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool’s School of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering and Electronics simulated an attack with the programmed virus, finding that it spread easily via WiFi access, bypassing encryption and detection points. They have compared the action of Chameleon to a contagious and airborne pathological virus, moving between nearby homes and businesses by way of WiFi network access points.
The attack was simulated in a laboratory setting based on the infrastructural and wireless network models of the cities of London and Belfast. In regions of high population density with wireless access points in close proximity, virus propagation occurred quickly.
Chameleon even bypassed secure and protected WiFi networks, by taking advantage of weak networks and WiFi access points without password protection.
Because Chameleon operates through WiFi rather than the internet, it avoids detection, as most virus detection systems are internet-based.
“WiFi connections are increasingly a target for computer hackers because of well-documented security vulnerabilities, which make it difficult to detect and defend against a virus,” said Alan Marshall, professor of network security. “…We are now able to use the data generated from this study to develop a new technique to identify when an attack is likely.”
The university’s work sets a precedent, showing for the first time that WiFi networks can be points of quick-spread viral infection. The lab hopes their simulation will serve as a model for understanding new mediums of viral computer infection, as well as for improvement in information security.
Ololade Akingbade, Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
This article was originally published in NUSci Issue 19.