The researchers have recently created a Wi-Fi virus that can spread through populated areas like the common cold can spread between humans. The experts designed and simulated an attack by a virus dubbed “Chameleon”. It turned out that the virus spread quickly between homes and businesses, but couldn’t avoid detection and identify the points at which Wi-Fi access is least protected by encryption and passwords.

Although this Wi-Fi attack was only a computer simulation, the researchers found that their virus behaved just like an airborne virus. They believe that it may have the following explanation: since areas that are more densely populated have more APs in closer proximity to each other, the Chameleon propagated more quickly, especially across networks connectable within a 10-50 meter distance.

The researchers pointed out that when “Chameleon” attacked an AP the virus didn’t affect how it worked, but could collect and report the credentials of all other Wi-Fi users connected to it. Chameleon then used this information to connect to and infect other users. If an AP was encrypted and password protected, Chameleon just moved on to find the APs that weren’t strongly protected. Of course, coffee shops and airports turned out to be hotbeds of infection.

The researchers admitted it was earlier assumed that it‘s impossible to develop a virus able to attack Wi-Fi networks. However, this experiment showed that it’s actually possible and such virus, if created in real life, will spread very quickly and harm lots of Internet users.

Looks like we have to start using cables again!

We'll probably see a real wifi virus outbreak soon