Blockchain Press Releases
‘No More Mr Wi-Fi’: Majority of Brits unlikely to share Wi-Fi access with neighbours over lack of trust and skyrocketing broadband prices
ExpressVPN’s recent survey finds that people across the UK are changing their Wi-Fi names to deter neighbours from ‘piggybacking’ off their home connections
LONDON, Aug. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A majority of Brits are unlikely to share their Wi-Fi connection with their neighbours over fresh concerns around privacy, and amidst surging broadband costs, according to a recent survey conducted by ExpressVPN, the leading consumer privacy and security company.
The survey of over 1,000 people across the UK showed that 59% do not trust their neighbours with access to their Wi-Fi, and for good reason. ExpressVPN found that one in seven (14%) have caught a friend, family member or neighbour attempting to use their home Wi-Fi network to access something ‘dodgy’ such as a pornography site or the dark web.
Despite half (7%) of these instances leading to a dispute or confrontation, an even higher number of respondents (one in six, 16%) revealed that they too had attempted to use someone else’s private Wi-Fi network to connect to a dodgy site.
Amidst the cost-of-living crisis, and on the back of the news that broadband prices are going to be hiked by 17% for some households, Wi-Fi theft is set to become a growing issue as more Brits look to ‘steal’ Wi-Fi in an effort to save money. The data shows that 13% of Brits have caught a neighbour trying to connect to their Wi-Fi without permission, and a study from last year showed that more than four million people in the UK have ‘hacked’ a neighbour’s Wi-Fi in a bid to avoid fees.
By admission, Brits’ own bad habits are raising security concerns, too. Three quarters (74%) have said that they are concerned about securing their Wi-Fi network, as nearly a third (31%) admit to having saved the passwords for private Wi-Fi networks so they can connect again easily, and a quarter (24%) think that their online safety has been compromised by using someone else’s Wi-Fi.
You Shall Not Password…
Despite fresh privacy concerns around neighbours using private Wi-Fi connections, two-thirds (67%) of Brits do not take any measures to protect their home network connection.
ExpressVPN’s survey shows this could be due to a lack of understanding of the technology required to protect Wi-Fi: two-thirds (66%) are unfamiliar with Wi-Fi encryption protocols, like WEP, WPA and WPA2, and 13% admitted that they find VPNs and DNS too complicated.
As a result, some people are turning to more ‘unique’ methods to deter piggybacking neighbours. One in 20 (4%) revealed that they have changed the name of their Wi-Fi network to discourage unauthorised access.
Some of the creative Wi-Fi names found by ExpressVPN’s survey, include:
- 5G Test Mast
- TV Licensing Surveillance
- Virus infected Wi-Fi
- The FBI
Others took a more aggressive approach to deter access, with Wi-Fi names including ‘My Wi-Fi M*****F*****s’, ‘P*** Off This Isn’t Your Wi-Fi’ and ‘Don’t even f****** think about it’.
More than one in 10 (11%) also admitted that they had changed their Wi-Fi name because they found it funny, or it reflected their sense of humour. Some of these, uncovered by ExpressVPN’s survey, included ‘No. 145s Wife is Cheating’ and ‘B**** in Apartment 23’.
However, renaming your Wi-Fi to something ‘off-putting’ or humorous could lead to more unwanted attention, as 17% of Brits said they would be more likely to try and join a Wi-Fi network if it had a humorous name.
Lauren Hendry Parsons, Privacy Advocate for ExpressVPN commented:
“As broadband prices surge across the UK, more and more people will look for crafty ways to pinch the pennies. But Brits are right to be concerned about the security implications – accessing someone else’s Wi-Fi, or vice versa, can lead to malware infections or even identity theft. So always think twice about who’s connecting to your Wi-Fi, and who you have handed your Wi-Fi password out to in the past.
“Changing your Wi-Fi name to something humorous won’t do much to deter access, but fortunately for the jokesters, it isn’t necessarily a security issue, assuming it doesn’t reveal any personally identifiable information. Instead, equipping your connection with extra security precautions, such as a VPN to disguise internet traffic, and ensuring it utilises Wi-Fi encryption protocols, ideally WPA2, is essential.”
In an effort to improve Wi-Fi safety standards, ExpressVPN recently launched Aircove in the UK. Aircove is the world’s first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection. Aircove lets users protect and encrypt every device in their home within minutes. This includes smart TVs, voice assistants and other smart home devices that aren’t usually compatible with VPN software.
To find out more about Aircove, please visit here: https://www.expressvpn.com/aircove
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A recent warning from the FBI regarding a crypto money transmitter seems to be aimed at the Samourai Wallet. This development highlights the increasing scrutiny and regulatory challenges faced by privacy-focused cryptocurrency wallets and services.
The FBI warning raises concerns about the use of certain cryptocurrency wallets that prioritize user privacy and anonymity, potentially enabling illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing. While the warning does not explicitly name any specific wallet or service, the language used suggests that the Samourai Wallet may be the target of the advisory.
Samourai Wallet is known for its focus on privacy and security features, including coin mixing and stealth addresses, which aim to enhance user privacy and protect against surveillance and tracking. However, these features have drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies and regulators, who are increasingly concerned about their potential misuse by criminals.
The FBI warning underscores the challenges faced by privacy-focused cryptocurrency wallets in navigating regulatory compliance and law enforcement scrutiny. While these wallets aim to empower users with greater control over their financial privacy, they must also address regulatory requirements and law enforcement concerns to avoid legal and reputational risks.
As the cryptocurrency industry continues to evolve, privacy-focused wallets like Samourai Wallet will need to strike a balance between privacy and compliance, ensuring that they can provide robust privacy features while also addressing regulatory concerns and maintaining transparency with authorities. This delicate balance is essential to foster trust and confidence among users and regulators alike, ultimately enabling the continued growth and adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies in the cryptocurrency space.
Source: cointelegraph.com
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Blockchain
Pantera Capital Plans to Raise $1 Billion for New Fund Offering Exposure to Crypto Assets
Pantera Capital is reportedly planning to raise $1 billion for a new fund that offers exposure to various crypto assets, as reported by Blockchain.News. This ambitious fundraising initiative underscores Pantera’s continued confidence in the potential of the cryptocurrency market and its commitment to providing investors with diversified investment opportunities in the digital asset space.
The new fund from Pantera Capital aims to capitalize on the growing demand for exposure to cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based assets among institutional and retail investors. By offering a comprehensive portfolio of crypto assets, the fund seeks to provide investors with access to a wide range of investment opportunities, spanning cryptocurrencies, tokens, and other digital assets.
Pantera’s decision to raise $1 billion for the new fund reflects its optimistic outlook on the long-term growth prospects of the cryptocurrency market. With increasing mainstream adoption and institutional interest in cryptocurrencies, Pantera sees significant potential for value creation and capital appreciation in the digital asset space.
As one of the leading blockchain-focused investment firms, Pantera Capital is well-positioned to attract capital from investors seeking exposure to the cryptocurrency market. The firm’s track record of successful investments and its experienced team of investment professionals are likely to bolster investor confidence and support for the new fund.
Pantera Capital’s plans to raise $1 billion for its new fund underscore its commitment to driving innovation and growth in the cryptocurrency market. As the fund attracts capital and deploys it into promising investment opportunities, it is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of the digital asset ecosystem.
Source: blockchain.news
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Blockchain
Existing Blockchains Can’t Adopt Post-Quantum Cryptography Without Significant User Impact, Says Johann Polecsak
Johann Polecsak argues that existing blockchains face significant challenges in adopting post-quantum cryptography without causing substantial disruption to users. This assessment highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of transitioning to new cryptographic standards in blockchain networks.
Post-quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms that are resistant to attacks from quantum computers, which have the potential to break traditional cryptographic schemes. While post-quantum cryptography offers enhanced security, implementing it in existing blockchain networks poses technical, operational, and usability challenges.
Polecsak suggests that transitioning to post-quantum cryptography could require significant changes to blockchain protocols, consensus mechanisms, and user interfaces. These changes may disrupt existing workflows, require modifications to software and hardware infrastructure, and necessitate coordination among network participants.
Furthermore, Polecsak emphasizes the importance of ensuring backward compatibility and interoperability during the transition to post-quantum cryptography. This is crucial to prevent fragmentation of the blockchain ecosystem and maintain continuity for users and applications.
Polecsak’s assessment underscores the complexities and trade-offs involved in adopting post-quantum cryptography in existing blockchain networks. While the transition promises improved security against quantum threats, it requires careful planning, coordination, and investment to minimize disruption and ensure a smooth transition for users and stakeholders. As the field of post-quantum cryptography continues to evolve, blockchain projects will need to carefully evaluate their options and strategies for implementing these new cryptographic standards.
Source: news.bitcoin.com
The post Existing Blockchains Can’t Adopt Post-Quantum Cryptography Without Significant User Impact, Says Johann Polecsak appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.
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