Public Wi-Fi networks - the malignant risks

"Do not perform monetary transactions or anything sensitive on a public Wi-Fi network" – how often have we heard this advice? As they are not encrypted or password protected, public Wi-Fi networks have significant vulnerabilities. Their open nature allows for snooping, machines on the networks could be completely compromised or malicious.

For corporate employees, portable gadgets offer convenience to work away from office, follow flexible schedules and be more productive while traveling. However, employees are most likely to work with corporate data on consumer-grade applications not of the same security class as that of an enterprise network. This can be detrimental to security if the right measures are not put in place.

Safeguard against Wi-Fi threats

In general, public Wi-Fi networks are an easy target for cybercriminals because they lack the safeguards that prevent hackers from tapping into secured networks. 

To reduce the chance of exposure on public Wi-Fi networks, be aware of the following points:

1. Verify the network name to prevent connecting to a hacker's network instead.
2. If you really need to share sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers or bank account / credit card information, try to do so from home on a secure encrypted & password protected connection.
3. Look for https in the URL bar when sending sensitive information on the Web to make sure it's encrypted.
4. Use a VPN service to add a physical barrier between user activity and the Web. For maximum security, purchase and set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which will encrypt information from your mobile device and make it secure.

In addition to these, companies can consider equipping their employees with more secure mobile devices and tools, such as managed file transfer services that allow employees to access company resources without pulling files out of the secure environment. This reduces the vulnerability associated with Wi-Fi networks by adding a solid layer of protection for transferring and managing documents. Every person, manager or employee, has a responsibility to make sure they're educated about the risks of wireless computing on public Wi-Fi. It's important to involve all individuals with the maintenance of security controls.

The Internet is an amazingly powerful tool, but don't be duped into giving up your sensitive personal information just to save a few minutes while browsing the web in public.