Public Wifi risks for employees

Free public Wi-Fi can be a convenient option for employees who need to access the internet while on the go or away from the office. However, it is important to note that using free public Wi-Fi can also put your company’s sensitive information at risk.

One major issue with using free public Wi-Fi is that it is often unsecured. This means that anyone on the same network can access and potentially intercept your data. This can include sensitive information such as company financials, personal employee information, and confidential business plans. Hackers can use tools to easily access unsecured networks and steal sensitive information.

Another issue with using free public Wi-Fi is that it is often unreliable. Public Wi-Fi networks can be slow, and the connection may drop frequently. This can make it difficult for employees to complete important tasks and can also lead to frustration and decreased productivity.

Additionally, public Wi-Fi networks are often used by many people, which can lead to crowded networks and increased competition for bandwidth. This can slow down the connection even further and make it difficult for employees to access the information they need.

In order to protect your company’s sensitive information, it is important for employees to avoid using free public Wi-Fi whenever possible. Instead, employees should use a virtual private network (VPN) or a secure, company-provided internet connection to access the internet. This will help to ensure that your company’s sensitive information is protected and that employees are able to work efficiently.

In conclusion, while free public Wi-Fi may seem like a convenient option, it can put your company’s sensitive information at risk. To protect your company’s information, employees should avoid using free public Wi-Fi and use a VPN or a secure, company-provided internet connection instead.

What sort of attacks are used?

There are several types of attacks that can be used to compromise the security of a device or network connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Some of the most common include:

1. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attack: This type of attack occurs when a hacker intercepts the communication between a device and a network. The hacker can then access and steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data.
2. Phishing: This type of attack uses social engineering tactics to trick users into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. The attacker can create a fake login page that looks like a legitimate website, and trick users into entering their information.
3. Rogue Access Point: This type of attack involves the creation of a fake wireless access point, designed to look like a legitimate network. Once connected, the attacker can access and steal sensitive information.
4. Sniffing: This type of attack involves the use of software to capture and analyze network traffic. The attacker can use this information to steal sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data.
5. Malware: This type of attack involves the use of malware, such as viruses or Trojan horses, to gain access to a device or network. Once the malware is installed, the attacker can access and steal sensitive information.

It’s important to note that these are only some examples of the kind of attack that can be used, and new methods are constantly emerging. To prevent these types of attacks, it is important to use a VPN or a secure, company-provided internet connection whenever accessing the internet on public Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, using a reputable security software and keeping it updated, as well as being cautious when giving personal information and following safe browsing habits can also help to mitigate the risk.

How to stay safe on public Wi-Fi

All employees should seek authorisation from their employer on using public wifi. Our advice is to avoid using public wifi.

If you need to use it then there are several steps that can be taken to stay safe when using public Wi-Fi:

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts all of the data that is sent and received over the internet, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept and steal sensitive information.
2. Avoid accessing sensitive information: If possible, avoid accessing sensitive information, such as financial accounts or company data, while connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
3. Use a firewall: A firewall can help to protect your device by blocking incoming connections from potentially harmful networks.
4. Use a reputable security software: Make sure your device has up-to-date anti-virus and anti-malware software.
5. Be cautious when giving personal information: Be wary of giving personal information, such as login credentials or financial data, over a public Wi-Fi network.
6. Keep your software updated: Keep your device’s operating system and all of your software updated to ensure that you have the latest security patches and fixes.
7. Look for HTTPS: When possible, look for sites that have the HTTPS protocol, that indicate a secure connection.
8. Be suspicious of free Wi-Fi: Be wary of free Wi-Fi networks, as they may be set up by hackers to steal sensitive information.
9. Use a personal hotspot: If possible, use a personal hotspot, such as a mobile hotspot, to access the internet instead of a public Wi-Fi network.

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your personal information and company data remain secure while using public Wi-Fi networks. However, it’s important to remember that even with these measures in place, there is still a risk of your device getting hacked or your information getting stolen, so it’s always good to be cautious and aware of the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks.

Do’s and Don’ts on public wifi

Do’s:

1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from hackers.
2. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as financial accounts or company data, while connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
3. Keep your device’s security software up to date to protect against malware and other cyber threats.
4. Look for sites that have the HTTPS protocol to ensure a secure connection.
5. Use a personal hotspot, such as a mobile hotspot, instead of a public Wi-Fi network, if possible.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t connect to free Wi-Fi networks that you are not familiar with, as they may be set up by hackers to steal sensitive information.
2. Don’t give personal information, such as login credentials or financial data, over a public Wi-Fi network.
3. Don’t use public Wi-Fi networks to make online transactions, such as online banking or shopping.
4. Don’t disable your device’s security settings or firewall while connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
5. Don’t ignore security warnings or prompts from your device or security software while connected to a public Wi-Fi network.