Safeguarding your business in an era of remote work: Protecting against public Wi-Fi vulnerabilities

To navigate this digital minefield successfully, it's essential to understand the worst places for connecting to public Wi-Fi, the associated cyber risks, and how to safeguard your business and workforce.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, the era of remote and hybrid work has emerged as a game-changer. As per a survey, majority of organizations are offering access to upskilling or reskilling opportunities to all employees. The study suggests that 64% of the companies surveyed offer flexible work options for all employees. As an employer, while the benefits of remote work are numerous, ensuring the security of your employees when they connect to public Wi-Fi is a paramount concern.

Enterprises, both small and large, have experienced the transformative power of remote work. With the ability to work from public spaces like coffee shops and co-working hubs, employees have gained unparalleled flexibility. Yet, the very convenience of these remote environments opens a Pandora's box of security vulnerabilities. To navigate this digital minefield successfully, it's essential to understand the worst places for connecting to public Wi-Fi, the associated cyber risks, and how to safeguard your business and workforce.

Restaurants and coffee shops These bustling venues offer a cozy ambiance for work but also harbour hidden dangers. Public Wi-Fi at these establishments is accessible to anyone, making it a prime target for hackers looking to exploit lax security. The risk of Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks looms large here. Hackers can intercept data transmitted between users and websites, potentially compromising sensitive information like passwords and financial transactions.

Hotels For employees on business trips, hotel Wi-Fi can be a lifeline. However, it often provides open access, leaving it susceptible to router hacking. Cybercriminals can gain control of routers and exploit vulnerabilities, potentially exposing personal and sensitive data to prying eyes.

Public transport While remote work has reduced the need for daily commutes, some roles still require occasional travel. Public transport, like trains, offers Wi-Fi for passengers. Unfortunately, the open access nature of these networks makes them inviting targets for hackers. Malware attacks are a common threat, with cybercriminals gaining access to devices and potentially compromising valuable business data.

Airports Frequent flyers should exercise caution when using airport Wi-Fi. Airports are hotspots for cybercriminals seeking to pilfer personal information, including passwords and financial data. Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a prevalent threat in airport environments, as hackers attempt to infiltrate email accounts to carry out fraudulent activities.

Public Wi-Fi is more vulnerable to attacks. If employees use public Wi-Fi networks, the chances of getting a malware infection are high. This makes it imperative to adopt a two-pronged approach to minimize damage: endpoint security and application security. Endpoint security involves employing robust antivirus software and ensuring automatic updates to protect against malware. Meanwhile, application security, including using Web Application and API Protection (WAAP), is vital to shield company infrastructure and applications in case of compromise.

To bolster defences against cyberattacks on public Wi-Fi networks, both businesses and employees should take proactive steps.

Disable Auto-Connect: Prevent your device from automatically connecting to open access networks nearby, reducing the risk of exposure to unsecured networks.

Utilize a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) adds an extra layer of security, encrypting your data and making it difficult for hackers to intercept your communications.

Install Anti-Virus Software: Ensure your device is equipped with robust antivirus software to detect and mitigate malware threats on public networks.

Conduct DAST Scans: Perform gray box Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) scans on web and mobile applications to assess risks and mitigate them at the code level.

Implement WAAP Solutions: Employ a Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) solution to block attacks originating from compromised endpoints.

In conclusion

As businesses continue to embrace the benefits of remote and hybrid work, cybersecurity remains a top priority. Safeguarding sensitive data and protecting employees from cyber threats while they connect to public Wi-Fi is an ongoing challenge. By understanding the risks associated with specific public Wi-Fi locations and implementing robust security measures, companies can thrive in the digital age without compromising data integrity or employee safety.

Author- Venkatesh Sundar- Founder and President, Americas, Indusface