WiFiCue: Public Wireless Access Security Assessment Tool

TL;DR

WiFiCue is a tool designed to assess the security risks of public Wi-Fi networks and inform users about potential dangers using recommender systems and prototype architecture.

Contribution

The paper introduces WiFiCue, a novel security assessment tool that leverages recommender systems to evaluate and communicate Wi-Fi risks to users.

Findings

Prototype architecture demonstrates feasibility

Recommender system effectively identifies risky networks

Enhances user awareness of Wi-Fi security

Abstract

Public wireless access points are commonly provided by governments, businesses, schools and other organizations and provide access to the Internet for numerous use cases and can present varying degrees of risk to users. While there are steps that can be taken to mitigate public Wi-Fi risks, ranging from avoidance to the application of end-to-end encryption, application specific encryption, and other technologies and tools, these options are not always viable. This paper examines risks associated with Wi-Fi from on a network-by-network perspective. Recommender Systems are presented as part of a proposed mechanism for informing users of the risks of connecting to a specific access point. Implementing prototype architecture for this purpose is examined.