How You Get Hacked at Starbucks

Samantha Murphy2013-04-27 17:22:01 UTC

For those who frequently use the free public Wi-Fi in coffee shops such as Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, you're likely already aware of how easy it is for hackers to steal your personal and financial information over the shared network.

But what you may not realize is how cybercriminals could gain access to sensitive data in other ways that might not be on your radar.

According to ThreatMetrix, a provider of cybercrime prevention solutions, some hackers even leave malicious USB drives on tables for curious customers to plug into their devices. This allows them to retrieve personal information and even social network passwords. Although this may seem unlikely, ThreatMetrix says the scenario actually occurs.

Cybercriminals can also use video cameras on a mobile device to capture what you're doing nearby. This means if you are entering your credit card or email login information into a smartphone, you could be recorded doing so. Creepy, right?

More sophisticated techniques include network scanners, which detect open ports on a device connected to the network, and "hotspot honeypots" which intercept a user’s Internet connection and give full access to that network.

Here's a look at what to keep your eyes peeled for when cozying into a coffee shop near you. Note: Click to enlarge the infographic.

Image courtesy of Flickr, marcopako

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