Do you know the risks and dangers of a Wi-Fi network in a hotspot? Did you know that, when accessing the free public internet, you can leave all the data and files on the device you are using (cell phone, notebook, tablet or computer) vulnerable and accessible? Certainly, more than 90% of people will answer this question with a resounding and dangerous no!
Firstly, because it is not a subject that everyone knows. On the contrary, few know that a hotspot is not just an oasis with an open Wi-Fi signal and free internet access . And therefore, it is full of dangers and traps.
Secondly, the lack of information and knowledge are the great villains of this story . Which can be very sad and full of real and virtual threats, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
Because, home-office employees and those who use devices connected to the corporate network (cell phones, notebooks and tablets, mainly), become gateways to security incidents ( malware and viruses , cyber attacks and data leaks , for example ).
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 release Wi-Fi, and for those who take advantage of the free 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 and public Wi-Fi, I would like to reinforce the warning about the lack of control on the corporate internet .
Mainly because home-office is a type of remote work that was consolidated during the pandemic and continues to be a common and constant practice in companies post-pandemic .
Hot place! “hotspot” means . It defines the environment in which wireless internet access is provided.
Generally, these are stores, companies or commercial spaces (such as shopping malls and restaurants, for example) that provide this service and convenience . This facility is not always free, as in airports or hotels.
In most places (hotspots), you pay for wireless internet access or provide personal data . A strategy for creating and maintaining a database of leads (contacts), which are sold for marketing actions.
That's where the dangers of free public Wi-Fi lie. Because whoever controls the hotspot opens the door to internet access. And, the figure is clear, it's not even a metaphor: through an open door on the internet, information and data come and go .
The problem is when this process occurs without consent and maliciously. Again, a literal image: a hotspot can be a dangerous open door for the installation of malware, data leaks and other security incidents.
by this, all caution are little. And, without a doubt, technology-enabled solutions for prevention and protection are fundamental . Mainly when it is 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 hotspot: the dangers of free and public Wi-Fi . In a simple and objective way, you will understand the risks, damages and losses (personal and corporate) of unsafe internet access .
Both videos are short and quick, they are worth watching. Therefore, they reinforce the need to manage and control access to the internet , both for individuals and legal entities.
Pay attention, because after seeing and listening to the information and tips that the video from the Guia Anônima shares, you will certainly 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 at hotspots?
After all the examples and warnings, the question remains: is it possible to access the internet safely at a hotspot with free public Wi-Fi?
The answer, paradoxically, can be both yes and no!
Yes , if you have data security solutions and technologies on your devices. And, in addition, take all care and precautions when choosing a safe hotspot for internet access.
No , when you do not have 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 guarantee a minimum of safety . Or, in other words, to try to make malicious attacks on hotspots more difficult. But remember: the tip above still applies, in case of a negative answer.
- VPN (virtual private network) on your devices
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Avoid accessing “HTTP” websites. The secure hypertext transfer protocol (https) promises to guarantee the integrity and confidentiality of data through encryption. However, hackers who are a little “smarter” know how to break the protection layer and access data and passwords.
- Disable the “Automatic Wi-Fi” functionality on all your devices.
- Likewise, disable “sharing” in your device preferences.
- Keep your applications, software and operating systems ALWAYS UPDATED!
- Maintain internet security solutions and technologies, such as internet access management and control and antivirus services.
- Do not log in or access websites or networks that require passwords.
- Never shop online at a hotspot with free public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid downloading files or software.
- As well as sending confidential or sensitive files.
- Invest, install and configure a good firewall .
Dangers of free and public Wi-Fi hotspots
Hotspots are certainly the gateway to all types of security incidents. And the biggest losers are small and medium-sized companies.
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 things, we can group the risks and dangers of hotspots with public and free Wi-Fi into three large groups .
Know that each occurrence, in each group, can result in countless security incidents .
So, the three main sources of security incidents in hotspots with free and public Wi-Fi are:
Infection of networks and devices with malware
Hotspots are “the playground” of cybercriminals. An invitation to infest, contaminate and cause damage and losses to individuals and legal entities.
Data and identity theft
With illegal access to personal, sensitive and confidential data, cyber fraud has no end or limits. Mainly, financial fraud, when banking and credit card information is stolen, for example.
Data breach and leak
In this case, the risks go beyond just financial fraud. Imagine what it is possible for a cybercriminal to do by accessing photos, videos, documents, contacts and any and all personal or business information available on your devices. Imagine the extent of the possible damage and losses!
The price and value of security incident solutions and technologies
The way each company handles sensitive, confidential or personal information under its responsibility and protects it against security incidents is a differentiator that makes it preferable (or not) for customers and users .
Digitally secure companies are more productive and profitable . Without a doubt, they grow more and stand out from the competition. Indeed, an invaluable value in an increasingly competitive scenario .
Vulnerable and unprotected companies , where there are no compliance policies and processes to prevent or deal with security incidents, are undoubtedly at greater risk and become preferred targets for cybercrime .
Therefore, it is curious to realize that businesspeople, IT professionals and managers still leave their companies at risk . After all, most of the time, security incidents do not occur intentionally. However, they almost always have the human factor as a key element .
Therefore, it is easy to understand the high price of misinformation and unpreparedness and the great value of preventing and protecting against security incidents.
The main benefits of preventing security incidents
Information and prevention are keywords against security incidents . So, to avoid losses and protect their reputation, companies need to do their part.
A process that does not need to be difficult or complex. Since the market offers simple, useful and affordable solutions.
Without a doubt, preventing security incidents is more efficient when the management and control of internet access 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 contribute to improving productivity and profitability indicators . Just search and compare.
Lumiun Box is excellent in internet management and security.
Certainly, it is the solution that offers differences and effective facilities against security incidents.
Click here and discover how it can help protect your company.
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