Our world is becoming more and more connected. Widespread (and growing) access to wi-fi is convenient and essential for our modern lifestyles, but it’s not as harmless as it may seem. This article explores the top dangers of public wi-fi for businesses, cyber threats to be aware of, and how to minimize your exposure to the risks of an open wi-fi network.
The Work From Anywhere Movement is Growing
2020 was a record-breaking year for cyberattacks. With stay-at-home mandates, quarantines, and offices closing indefinitely across the country, American professionals retreated to their home offices. As society opened back up, the remote work format stayed for many. One can infer that having the option to work outside the office has driven many workers to choose public settings such as coffee shops, restaurants, train stations, airports, and other public spaces to do their work, making businesses and employees more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Cyber Attacks Are On the Rise
You might think, “I use public wi-fi all the time, and I’ve never had a problem!” Sure, not that you know of, at least. The worrisome truth is—in tandem with the growing remote-worker population—cyberattacks are also on the rise, and anyone using public wi-fi is at risk.
In a Global Risk Report publish in 2020, cyberattacks were name the fifth top-rated risk for companies across public and private sectors, and those attacks are expect to climb in ranking soon. Protecting yourself from the risks of public wi-fi has never been more imperative. This is essential for businesses and individuals in virtually every industry, although some are much more vulnerable than others.
What Are the Top Dangers of Public Wi-Fi for Businesses?
Most people working while connect to public wi-fi networks are blissfully unaware of the risk they run of accidentally sharing secret, important, or sensitive information, which could cause a major problem in the hands of a skill hacker. You’ve likely taken advantage of the modern perk of public wi-fi. However, this is not without serious risk, which is why you should be wary of the top seven dangers of public wi-fi for businesses:
Malware, Viruses, and Worms
One of the major threats you can face on public wi-fi is the forced installation of malware also known as malicious software on user devices. This is the umbrella term for all code and apps written to harm devices or intercept the information. Hackers can infect the public wi-fi network, which then infiltrates the devices that connect to it. Malware comes in multiple forms and has the capability to wreak havoc and spy on the devices it infects. Viruses are malware that spread through a host file and are trigger and replicated by a human. In contrast, worms can replicate independently without the need for human intervention, making them capable of even greater damage.
Rogue Networks
A rogue network or access point is essentially a “back door” installed on a network’s wired infrastructure without the administrator’s knowledge or consent. This type of security breach, which some refer to as a “man-in-the-middle attack,” disguises itself as a legitimate wi-fi connection to trick users into connecting.
Unencrypted Connections
An encryption-free connection allows hackers to monitor all file sharing and traffic that is sent between the user and server on a public wi-fi network. A well-positioned attacker can easily track the network users connected to the router of an unsecured network and inject malicious JavaScript into their devices.
Network Snooping
Another common method of attack is network snooping, which happens when a hacker uses malicious software on a public wi-fi network to monitor the activity on a third-party’s laptop remotely. This is an avenue for hackers to surveil any information exchange—credit card information, passwords, or any other sensitive details.
Log-in Credential Vulnerability
Weak and predictable passwords cause log-in credential vulnerability. This type of security vulnerability can be prevented by ensuring all your passwords for websites, apps, and wifi networks are strong and unique.
System Update Alerts
Hackers are constantly innovating ways to hijack smartphone devices. One sneaky way to steal information targeting Android devices is through fake system update alerts with data-exfiltration capabilities.
Session Hijacking
Public wi-fi networks open the door to session hijacking, which consists of exploiting a legitimate web browsing session. This is yet another way cybercriminals can gain unauthorized access to data in a network user’s device, leaving any information about your business extremely vulnerable.
How Can Businesses Stay Safe on Public Networks?
To maximize the safety of company emails, sensitive information, and other assets, you must implement a strong cybersecurity strategy for your web presence and applications.
Here are some ways you can keep your business safe from the risks of public wi-fi:
- Convert your website to the more secure HTTPs so that you can protect log-in credentials and pad your users’ personal information with extra security.
- Set up a virtual private network (VPN), which protects you by creating an armored tunnel for user traffic with end-to-end encryption.
- Advise employees to turn wi-fi auto-connect and Bluetooth discoverability settings off to prevent hackers from gaining peer-to-peer access undetected
- Ensure remote employees have the firewall enabled on their devices at all times
- Ensure all company devices have anti-malware software and anti-sniffing protection installed
- Encourage employees to use the mobile hotspot provided by their mobile carrier in lieu of a public unencrypted wi-fi network
- Run frequent vulnerability scans to identify areas of weakness in your online infrastructure
- Require your users to create strong, unique passwords that include letters, numbers, and special characters
- Create policies, so that company workers know of the dangers of public wi-fi and how to protect themselves and company assets from malicious attackers.
Public Wi-Fi is an extremely convenient productivity booster – this is especially true for mobile business users, who use their smartphones and tablets at hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, and other places while on the road. Make sure you take the proper steps to protect your business and your employees’ mobile devices, so they won’t have the opportunity to steal your data with Sagara Technology.