More than two million WiFi network passwords were reportedly left exposed on an open database by the developer of WiFi Finder, an app designed to help device owners find and log in to hotspots.The developer, Proofusion, claims its product only lists passwords for public Wi-Fi networks offered by the likes of restaurants and other high-traffic locations; however, information belonging to "countless" home networks were also included in the exposed data, according to a TechCrunch report published today. Exposed data typically included a Wi-Fi network's name, geolocation, basic service set identifier and network password.Security researcher Sanyam Jain, a member of the GDI Foundation, is credited with discovering the misconfigured database. TechCrunch says it contacted Proofusion multiple times over a two-week span, but never received a response. Ultimately, the database was reportedly taken down by its host, DigitalOcean.TechCrunch says thousands of users have downloaded the app, which reportedly does not require to seek permission from WiFi network owners before uploading and sharing their passwords so that others can use them.
Breach, Data Security, Network Security
App leaves over 2 million WiFi network passwords exposed on open database
An In-Depth Guide to Network Security
Get essential knowledge and practical strategies to fortify your network security.
Bradley Barth
As director of multimedia content strategy at CyberRisk Alliance, Bradley Barth develops content for online conferences, webcasts, podcasts video/multimedia projects — often serving as moderator or host. For nearly six years, he wrote and reported for SC Media as deputy editor and, before that, senior reporter. He was previously a program executive with the tech-focused PR firm Voxus. Past journalistic experience includes stints as business editor at Executive Technology, a staff writer at New York Sportscene and a freelance journalist covering travel and entertainment. In his spare time, Bradley also writes screenplays.
Get daily email updates
SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news
You can skip this ad in 5 seconds