Contagious' wi-fi virus created by researchers

well thats scary and new! new security software feature needed!?
though come to think of it, network spreading malware is not something new...

 

Wi-Fi virus Chameleon infects whole cities ‘like airborne disease’

http://www.welivesecurity.com/2014/...n-infects-whole-cities-like-airborne-disease/

 

A contagious virus ??
Oh my God, please tell me it ain't so ...

Exploiting default router-pw's isn't exactly a new idea, is it ?

What IS new is that some university creates a virus -
Isn't that (also) illegal in the UK ?

 

how to protect against this ? ?

 

Strong admin password for your router login.

 

I think the standard steps would apply...

- Carefully decide what firmware you want to run (stock vs replacement)
- Keep your firmware up to date, try to stay aware of newly disclosed vulnerabilities and patches
- Change default credentials, set strong new ones and protect that info
- Use maximum encryption/authentication options
- Make use of options to block unauthorized clients
- Change default SSID(s), you can also consider disabling SSID broadcast but research pros/cons first
- Change MAC addresses where possible, but make sure to pick alternate ones correctly and check for collisions before using them
- Disable remote access, including via wireless, to administrative functions
- Eliminate or disable any other features that could allow someone else to modify firmware or settings (automatic updates, cloud features)
- Some initial testing and ongoing monitoring is always good

Note: this means eliminating ISP provided APs/routers.