The Risks of Public Wi-Fi and How to Protect Yourself

Remote work has revolutionised our work lives, allowing us to work from home, coffee shops, or even while on holiday. This flexibility, however, comes with risks, especially when using public Wi-Fi for work. Although it’s best to avoid public Wi-Fi whenever possible, sometimes it’s necessary to make updates on the go. In our blog post, we discuss the dangers of using public Wi-Fi for work and provide tips to stay safe and minimise the risk of hacking.

 

 

 

 

 

Wi-Fi Attacks to be Aware of

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Protecting your sensitive information from interception should be a top priority. Ensure your safety by connecting to websites with HTTPS encryption.

 

Eavesdropping

Prevent hackers from accessing your confidential data. Safeguard your information by utilising VPNs for secure connections.

 

Malware Distribution

Public Wi-Fi networks can serve as gateways for malware. Shield your devices from harmful software by installing reliable anti-malware software.

 

Rogue Wi-Fi Hotspots

Stay cautious of fake network connections. Always verify the network name before connecting.

 

Unsecured Devices

Public Wi-Fi lacks device security, exposing vulnerable devices to potential threats. Protect your device by implementing strong passwords and avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks if sensitive information is stored.

 

 

 

Best Practices to Stay Safe

Use a VPN for secure browsing

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and ensures a secure connection between your device and the accessed website. Secure your browsing on public Wi-Fi networks by using a reliable VPN service.

 

Opt for HTTPS websites

Prefer secure HTTPS websites over regular HTTP ones. They provide encryption and a secure connection. Always check the address bar for “https://” before entering any sensitive information.

 

Don’t access or input sensitive information

Avoid accessing or inputting sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi. Hackers may steal login credentials, bank accounts, and other personal details. Use a VPN and secure, encrypted websites if accessing sensitive information is unavoidable.

Forget the Wi-Fi network after use

After completing your work on a public Wi-Fi network, forget the network and turn off Wi-Fi on your device. This prevents automatic connection to the same network, ensuring your security.

Utilise Personal Hotspot

Where you can always use a personal hot-spot over Wi-Fi. Protect your data by creating a personal hotspot with your mobile phone. This allows you to work without relying on public Wi-Fi, reducing the risk of cyber threats.

 

 

 

While remote work heavily depends on public Wi-Fi, it also introduces risks such as man-in-the-middle attacks, malware, rogue hotspots, and unsecured devices. Safeguard your sensitive data by employing a VPN, utilising strong passwords, and minimising the use of public Wi-Fi for confidential information. By taking these precautions, you can effectively mitigate the potential threat of being hacked on public Wi-Fi.