A West Australian man, Michael Clapsis, has been charged with allegedly setting up fake free Wi-Fi networks to collect personal data from innocent users at multiple airports and on flights.
The 42-year-old from Palmyra appeared before Perth Magistrates Court on Friday, June 28 facing nine alleged cyber crime offences.
It’s alleged the father-of-three used a portable wireless access device to create free Wi-Fi networks to lure unsuspecting users into believing they were real.
When people tried to connect their devices, they were allegedly taken to a fake webpage asking them to sign in using their email or social media logins. Those harvested details could allegedly be used to access more personal information including photos and bank details.
Mr Clapsis was charged in May 2024 after an airline reported that a suspicious Wi-Fi network was identified by its employees during a domestic flight.
He was granted bail on strict conditions, including restricting online activities.
When Mr Clapsis appeared before the Magistrates Court on June 28, he wasn’t required to enter a plea and will next face court in August.
Source: Nine News.
