<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A 44-year-old man has been jailed for creating fake "evil twin" WiFi networks at multiple Australian airports.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He was also convicted of hacking into women's online accounts to steal intimate material.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The man used a portable wireless access device, known as a WiFi Pineapple, to listen for requests of people trying to join networks at Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide airports as well as on domestic flights.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/former-detective-shuts-down-dezi-freeman-south-africa-sighting/81950d49-8f41-4852-b141-8bb11a1ee620" rel="" target="" title="Former detective shuts down latest alleged sighting in hunt for alleged cop killer"><strong><span>Former detective shuts down latest alleged sighting in hunt for alleged cop killer</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>When detecting a request, the WiFi Pineapple instantly created a matching network with the same name, tricking a device that it was a trusted network.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The device would then connect automatically.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The network took unsuspecting people to a webpage where they were prompted to log on using an email or social media account.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/afp-man-jailed-internet-hacking-airports/fb6b6074-9903-4c01-b92f-23901b0dc357" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>That data was then saved on the man's device.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The man then illegally accessed social media and other accounts linked to women to monitor communication and steal private and intimate images and videos.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The AFP was alerted in April 2024 after an airline reported staff had found a suspicious WiFi network which mimicked a legitimate one point on a domestic flight.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/family-of-teen-fatally-stabbed-issues-statement/94216c5a-0547-4c2c-b696-d46b67351ef0"><strong><span>Tributes to 'loyal young man' after Sydney stabbing</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Investigators searched the man's hand luggage when he arrived at Perth Airport from interstate.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A portable wireless access device, laptop and mobile phone were seized. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A search warrant was executed at a home in Perth's Palmyra.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Forensic analysis identified thousands of intimate images and videos, personal credentials , and records of fraudulent WiFi pages.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The day after the search warrant, the man deleted 1752 items from his account on a data storage application and unsuccessfully tried to remotely wipe his mobile phone.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Later that month the man used a computer software tool to access his employer's laptop to access confidential online meetings between his employer and the AFP regarding the investigation.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>AFP Commander Renee Colley said the AFP remained "committed to the identification of cybercriminals who used sophisticated technology".</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Cybercrime is a growing global threat, and our investigators are relentless in tracking down criminals who attempt to exploit digital anonymity to attack our community," Commander Colley said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The AFP's message to the community is to please be vigilant when connecting to any kind of free WiFi network, especially at public places such as airports.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/jetstar-airbus-a320-disruptions/52b19674-6145-47c5-ab26-8093e68a6248"><strong><span>Jetstar flights grounded after Airbus announces plane recalls</span></strong></a><span></span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"A network that requests your personal details – such as an email or social media account – should be avoided.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"If you do want to use public WiFi, ensure your devices are equipped with a reputable virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt and secure your data. Disable file sharing, don't use things like online banking while connected to public WiFi and, once you disconnect, change your device settings to 'forget network'.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"People should also switch off the WiFi on their devices to prevent them being automatically connecting to a hotspot in public spaces."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including five counts of cause unauthorised access or modification of restricted data, contrary to section 478.1 of the </span><em><span>Criminal Code</span></em><span> (Cth) and three counts of attempt to cause unauthorised access or modification of restricted data, contrary to section 478.1 of the </span><em><span>Criminal Code</span></em><span> (Cth).</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>He will spend seven years and four months' in jail, with parole after five.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The man was sentenced in Perth District Court yesterday.</span></div></div>