The Dangers of Public WiFi: Important Do's and Don'ts

Whether on a plane or seated al fresco, work is wherever you want it to be. And to get work done between boarding passes and breadsticks, employees are connecting to public WiFi. But are they aware of the dangers of public WiFi? Is it safe to use open WiFi for work? And if you do find yourself logging on to a new network, what can you do to secure your — and your employer's — data while you work?

Do use password-protected WiFi

A secured WiFi connection that requires a password to use is safer than public, unsecured WiFi. It may be more convenient to connect to an open network instantly. But a private network hosted by a café or hotel eliminates the risk of a hacker offering free WiFi to lure in cyber victims. So, always check if there is a private WiFi network, and ask for the password.

Don't send sensitive data in cleartext

Attackers can set up man-in-the-middle attacks or other methods of cyber espionage on public WiFi. To reduce risk, avoid handling or sending sensitive data whenever possible. That means steering clear of financial data, PII, credentials and passcodes, and any restricted or confidential information until you're back on a secured network.

Do use a VPN

A virtual private network, or VPN, allows you to establish a secure, protected connection to a corporate network. Even if you're on public WiFi, the VPN provides an extra layer of security and makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to snoop. Many businesses have a VPN for employee use, but you can also download one yourself.

Don't auto-connect to public WiFi

Auto-connecting to WiFi can feel convenient. An instant connection wherever you go! But, it comes with hidden dangers, so turn off auto-connect for both WiFi and Bluetooth. Then, each time you're in a new location, you can intentionally choose which network you want to use.

Do connect with HTTPS

HTTP and HTTPS are similar protocols that display web data on your device. But, there's one crucial difference: HTTPS is a more secure, more advanced version. It keeps passwords private and is a safer connection so that other confidential information stays, well, confidential. So, when you are on public WiFi, check if the website you're using is HTTPS. If it isn't, wait until you're back on a secured, private network before logging in or sending any data to that website.

Do use a password manager and SSO

Passwords are so mundane that we forget how critical they are to our online security. Unfortunately, public WiFi can expose us to attacks that allow cybercriminals to steal passwords. That's why it's essential to use a different password on every single website. A password manager simplifies the creation and management of strong passwords for all of your online accounts. Plus, if your company uses SSO, secure protocols like SAML protect against attacks and eliminate passwords for hackers to steal.

Don't neglect device security

Security at the individual device level is essential, too. Keep software, browsers, and apps up-to-date. Updates have important security and bug fixes, so apply an update when one is available. Also, run anti malware software to spot malicious activity on your device. Don't click links or open attachments from people you don't know or seem out of character. And if you think you've spotted some unusual activity, alert your IT team immediately. With a few simple precautions, you can safely and conveniently work while on the go, even when public WiFi is the only connection available. Get a password manager to start beefing up your password security and use our steps above to work safely from anywhere.