Most of us have done it – logged into a free Wi-Fi hotspot to send that quick email to a client or into the office. A great way to minimise “dead time” between meetings or while waiting to get home after a long day.
If you have employees who work in coffee shops, hotel lounges/rooms, airport lounges or other public places. My question to you is, are you allowing them to use public Wi-Fi “unprotected”? If so, did you know that using public Wi-Fi, even if you’re asked for a login, is not safe!
As you will see connecting to your business systems using public Wi-Fi literally leaves your data naked and exposed to any unscrupulous cyber-criminal! If this is you, and your team, you should be using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Something bigger organisations have known for years.
What’s a VPN?
A VPN is used to encrypt your data and add a layer of privacy in order to protect your sensitive information. In short, it’s a secure way to access the Internet.
For example, if you’re using your laptop in a coffee shop, and before you access their public Wi-Fi you activate your VPN app. This will create a safe encrypted connection across the public Wi-Fi for you.
In simple terms, the encrypted connection created by the VPN app over the public Wi-Fi can be thought of as a “tunnel” between your laptop and a server operated by the VPN provider. Once the connection is established you can send and receive data safely. Although, it should be noted no VPN provider can claim 100% security. It’s much safer than accessing a public Wi-Fi without one.
VPN apps are affordable, and should be part of your business operations toolset.
Video: Public Wi-Fi – A Trap for the Great and the Good, and the Unwary
This eye-opening video from F-Secure demonstrates the dangers, and consequences of using public Wi-Fi. The “victims” are three unsuspecting UK politicians!
When we work through this section as part of our Cyber Awareness workshops, it always gets gasps of disbelief!
Enjoy!
I Hope You Enjoyed…
I hope you enjoyed this post and video from F-Secure about the perils of using public Wi-Fi. What came up for you?
I’d be interested to hear if the video has changed the way you look at using public Wi-Fi on the move? Please share in the comments field below.
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