WFH – working from home – has become a common acronym in modern business. However, many employees, through choice or necessity, work from locations that offer public Wi-Fi, such as coffee shops, hotels, airports, or co-working spaces. As well as offering a change of scenery, these places also allow staff to conduct vital work while ‘in the field’, for example, to close lucrative sales deals with real-time business data at their fingertips.
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, however, can allow cybercriminals to access sensitive business data. Because some networks are riskier than others, it is important that remote workers understand the differences between types of public Wi-Fi so that they can make informed decisions about the risks.
Public Wi-Fi networks that don’t require a password, typically found in parks, shopping centres, or some libraries, pose the highest risk. These networks allow unencrypted internet access, so any data that is sent or received can be easily intercepted by cybercriminals using simple hacking tools. Attackers can also set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots that mimic real ones, tricking users into connecting and unknowingly sharing their private or business data. If a network is completely open, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Many businesses, including high street coffee shops, pubs and bars, and airports, offer Wi-Fi which can only be accessed with a password. While this may seem more secure, it doesn’t provide the same level of protection as a private network. Since hundreds or even thousands of people use the same access credentials daily, a determined hacker can still intercept traffic using man-in-the-middle attacks in which they secretly relay and alter communications between two parties.
Also, these networks often use shared passwords that aren’t frequently changed, making them vulnerable to security breaches. If employees must use a busy public network, they should avoid accessing sensitive accounts (such as banking or work platforms) and always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt their internet activity.
Some public Wi-Fi networks are more secure than others. Business lounges in airports, private co-working spaces, and certain hotel networks often implement additional security measures, such as individual login credentials for each user. While still not as safe as a private home network, these options offer better encryption and less traffic congestion, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
For remote workers who frequently work outside their homes, using a personal mobile hotspot is the safest option. Most modern smartphones allow tethering, enabling users to create their own encrypted connection through mobile data. This ensures a private and secure connection, reducing reliance on public networks.
While public Wi-Fi is convenient, it comes with significant security risks. Because cyberattacks, such as data breaches or ransomware attacks, can be financially crippling, remote workers should be encouraged not to use any networks that are potentially insecure.
For expert advice on any aspect of your business’s cybersecurity, please request a callback from the team at Vantage IT today.
Image Source: Canva
03/09/2025
