Public Wi-Fi Security

Public WiFi security is something that all businesses need to be mindful of, public networks are ubiquitous these days, offering free internet access at coffee shops, hotels, airports, and more. While public Wi-Fi can be incredibly convenient, especially for employees who need to work on the go, it also poses significant risks to companies and should only be used with caution. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not encrypted or secured, meaning the network can easily be accessed by anyone within range of the network signal. This allows hackers to see all the data transmitted over the network, including emails, passwords, credit card numbers, and more. Hackers can also install malware on the network to infect any devices that connect to it.

Wifi Risks

Because public Wi-Fi networks are inherently insecure, companies should avoid conducting any sensitive work or transmitting valuable data over these networks whenever possible. However, for employees who need to occasionally use public Wi-Fi, companies should implement strict policies and provide comprehensive guidance to help reduce risks.

Reduce Risk

To help reduce risks from lack of public WiFi security, companies should implement the following policies:

• Avoid sensitive data and work. Never conduct logins, payments, file sharing, or other sensitive activities on public Wi-Fi. Save this work for private, trusted networks.
• Use a virtual private network or VPN. A VPN will encrypt all the data transmitted from the employee’s device to the company’s private network. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Companies should provide VPN access to all employees and require its use on public Wi-Fi.
• Use strong, unique passwords. Require employees to use complex, unique passwords for all accounts to minimize the impact of any password compromises that may occur on public Wi-Fi.
• Install security software on all devices. Ensure all company devices have up-to-date anti-malware, anti-virus, and firewall software installed to help prevent infection from the malware commonly found on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Provide employee education. Educate employees about the risks of public Wi-Fi use and best practices for using those networks as safely and securely as possible. Employees should understand what types of activities are prohibited and what security steps they must take on public Wi-Fi.
• Monitor for issues. Closely monitor company networks and devices for signs of a breach or infection stemming from use of public Wi-Fi. Quickly act to mitigate any issues to avoid broader compromise.
• Consider a mobile hotspot. For employees who frequently need internet access in locations where only public Wi-Fi is available, consider providing a mobile hotspot that creates a secure, private network connection. This eliminates the risks of using public networks.

Conclusion

While public Wi-Fi can be a useful tool for employees on the go, it is critical that companies implement comprehensive policies and provide extensive guidance to help reduce the risks of using these unsecured networks to connect to company resources and data. With the proper precautions and security controls in place, public Wi-Fi can be used safely and responsibly. However, when possible, public Wi-Fi should be avoided altogether in favor of private network connections.

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