Are you aware of the risks and dangers of a Wi-Fi hotspot? Did you know that accessing the free public internet can leave all the data and files on your device (cell phone, laptop, tablet, or computer) vulnerable and accessible? Certainly, over 90% of people will answer this question with a resounding and dangerous no!
First, because it's not a topic everyone understands. On the contrary, few realize that a hotspot is more than just an oasis with an open Wi-Fi signal and free internet access . And that, therefore, it's full of dangers and pitfalls.
Secondly, a lack of information and knowledge are the main culprits in this story . It can be very sad and full of real and virtual threats, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Because employees working from home and those using devices connected to the corporate network (mainly cell phones, notebooks and tablets) become a gateway for security incidents ( malware and viruses , cyber attacks and data leaks , for example).
A lack of attention, IT planning, and data security technologies in organizations can be a source of problems for everyone . Both for those who create a hotspot and unlock Wi-Fi, and for those who take advantage of the unlocked signal and access the free public internet.
What is a hotspot?
Before explaining what a hotspot is and listing some of the dangers of free public Wi-Fi, I would like to reinforce the warning about the lack of control over the corporate internet .
Mainly because home office is a type of remote work that became established during the pandemic and remains a common and constant practice in companies post-pandemic .
Hot spot! "hotspot" means . It defines the environment where wireless internet access is available.
services and conveniences are offered by stores, businesses, or commercial spaces (such as shopping malls and restaurants, for example) . This service isn't always free, as is the case at airports or hotels.
In most hotspots, you pay for wireless internet access or provide personal information . This strategy is used to create and maintain a database of leads (contacts), which can then be used for marketing purposes.
This is where the dangers of free public Wi-Fi lie. Whoever controls the hotspot opens the door to internet access. And the image is clear, not even a metaphor: through an open door on the internet, information and data enter and exit .
The problem is when this process occurs without consent and maliciously. Again, a literal image: a hotspot can be a dangerous open door for malware installation, data leaks, and other security incidents.
Therefore, every precaution is essential. And, without a doubt, technological solutions for prevention and protection are essential . Especially when it's necessary to access the internet outside the home and corporate environment through a hotspot, with free public Wi-Fi .
The dangers of public Wi-Fi
Watch the videos below and learn more about hotspots: the dangers of free public Wi-Fi . In a simple and objective way, you'll understand the risks, damages, and losses (both personal and corporate) of unsafe internet access .
Both videos are short and snappy, and are worth watching. They reinforce the need for internet access management and control , for both individuals and businesses.
Pay attention, because, certainly, after seeing and hearing the information and tips that the video from the Guia Anônima shares, you will be very concerned about the dangers of free public Wi-Fi in hotspots .
In this other video, it becomes even clearer why so many people use free public Wi-Fi. See how a hotspot can be insecure and, at the same time, practical and easy to use.
Olhar Digital channel also warns about the high possibility of security incidents resulting from internet access outside the home or company .
Is it possible to access the internet safely through hotspots?
After all the examples and warnings, the question remains: is it possible to access the internet safely on a free public Wi-Fi hotspot?
The answer, paradoxically, can be both yes and no!
Yes , if you have data security solutions and technologies on your devices. Additionally, take all necessary precautions when choosing a secure hotspot for internet access.
No , when you do not have the information, knowledge or services that guarantee protection against security incidents.
In this case, the question remains: even if the hotspot seems safe and reliable, is it worth risking compromising your personal or company data?
12 Tips for Staying Safe on a Free Public Wi-Fi Hotspot
Basically, 12 procedures are highly recommended to ensure a minimum level of security . Or, in other words, to try to hinder malicious attacks on hotspots. But remember: the above tip still applies if the answer is no.
- VPN available and use it on your devices to protect yourself when using a free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Avoid accessing "HTTP" sites. Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) promises to ensure data integrity and confidentiality through encryption. However, smarter hackers know how to break through this layer of protection and access data and passwords.
- Disable the “Automatic Wi-Fi” feature on all your devices.
- Likewise, disable “sharing” in your device’s preferences.
- Keep your applications, software and operating systems ALWAYS UPDATED!
- Maintain internet security solutions and technologies, such as internet access management and control services and antivirus.
- Do not log in or access websites or networks that require passwords.
- Never shop online on a free public Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Avoid downloading files or software.
- As well as sending confidential or sensitive files.
- Invest in, install, and configure a good firewall .
Dangers of free public Wi-Fi hotspots
Hotspots are undoubtedly the gateway to all kinds of security incidents. And the biggest losers are small and medium-sized businesses.
Finally, to conclude, I want to remind you that there are countless risks and dangers of accessing the internet in free public Wi-Fi hotspots .
However, to simplify, we can group the risks and dangers of free public Wi-Fi hotspots into three large groups .
Be aware that each occurrence, in each group, can lead to numerous security incidents .
So, the three main sources of security incidents at free public Wi-Fi hotspots are:
Infection of networks and devices with malware
Hotspots are cybercriminals' playgrounds. They invite them to infest, contaminate, and cause harm and losses to individuals and businesses.
Data and identity theft
With illegal access to personal, sensitive, and confidential data, cyber fraud knows no bounds. This is especially true for financial fraud, which involves stealing banking and credit card information, for example.
Data breach and leak
In this case, the risks go beyond financial fraud alone. Imagine what a cybercriminal could do by accessing photos, videos, documents, contacts, and any personal or business information available on your devices. Imagine the extent of the potential damage and losses!
The price and value of solutions and technologies against security incidents.
The way each company handles sensitive, confidential or personal information under its responsibility and protects it against security incidents is a differentiator that makes them preferable (or not) for customers and users .
Digitally secure companies are more productive and profitable . Undoubtedly, they grow more and stand out from the competition. Indeed, this is an invaluable asset in an increasingly competitive landscape .
Vulnerable and unprotected companies , where there are no compliance policies and processes to prevent or deal with security incidents, undoubtedly run greater risks and become prime targets for cybercrimes .
Therefore, it's curious to note that business owners, IT professionals, and managers still leave their companies at risk . After all, most security incidents don't occur intentionally. However, they almost always involve the human factor as a key element .
Thus, it is easy to understand the high cost of misinformation and lack of preparation and the great value of preventing and protecting against security incidents.
The main benefits of preventing security incidents
Information and prevention are key to preventing security incidents . Therefore, to avoid losses and protect their reputations, companies need to do their part.
A process that doesn't have to be difficult or complex, as the market offers simple, useful, and affordable solutions.
Without a doubt, preventing security incidents is more efficient when internet access management and control go hand in hand with information security and compliance processes against security incidents .
In practice, in addition to prevention , the best solutions available on the market include technologies that help improve productivity and profitability indicators . Just research and compare.
Lumiun Box is excellent in internet management and security.
Certainly, it is the solution that offers effective differentials and facilities against security incidents.
Click here and find out how it can help protect your business.
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