Info Advantage Blog

Wireless Internet signals, referred to most commonly as Wi-Fi, are commonplace in every office. Even organizations that don’t often need access to the Internet, like restaurants and coffee shops, have wireless connections available for customers to use. However, just because you can connect to free Wi-Fi, doesn’t necessarily mean that you should.

One of the big problems with free Wi-Fi is that people who use public connections are fully aware of just how dangerous it is; yet, they still want to use it. The Identity Theft Resource Center claims that 78.5 percent of users who connect to free Wi-Fi understand that there are major risks involved, and yet only 26.7 percent use a VPN to keep themselves safe. Thus, free Wi-Fi should be approached with caution. Here are just a few reasons why you need to be careful when accessing public Wi-Fi.

Anyone Can Access It
If the Wi-Fi isn’t protected by a passcode, the network is vulnerable to hacking attacks and other threats. Plus, if the router isn’t configured properly, the passcode doesn’t offer much help. The fact that anyone can access it at their leisure means that there’s virtually nothing stopping hackers from connecting to the router and spying on other users.

It’s worth mentioning that, although we use the term ‘hacker,’ even a mischievous child with a bit of curiosity and the proper know-how could access your files via public Wi-Fi if the connection isn’t secure.

Free Wi-Fi is Highly Used
It’s natural that a free Internet connection will attract attention from people. That said, the more people who connect to a Wi-Fi network, the slower the connection, and the more likely it is to house a hacker. Hackers understand that free Wi-Fi draws plenty of victims, so they’ll use the convenience to find new targets.

Data Isn’t Encrypted
Encryption adds an extra layer of protection to any data that’s sent to and received across an Internet connection. When routers have encryption, hackers have a more difficult time stealing data. Therefore, you should only connect to routers that have encryption, and it’s unlikely that your run-of-the-mill router at your local restaurant has it.

What You Can Do
You may not be able to control who secures their public Wi-Fi routers, but you can take steps to protect yourself if you’re ever in the position where you feel you must use it. Here are three best practices for keeping your devices safe while using a public Wi-Fi network:

• Only connect to networks that require security codes.
• Set your phones and devices so that they don’t automatically connect to any new Wi-Fi network.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

To learn more about how you can keep your data safe from prying eyes, reach out to Info Advantage at (585) 254-8710.

As more people gain access to their own smart devices, the environment is changing around the globe. The vast adaptation of the mobile device has allowed individuals to stay connected at any time, and the world is shifting to accommodate the newest wave of technology. For companies, this means the ability to do business anywhere at any time, especially when paired with cloud capabilities. Bring your own device (BYOD) allows businesses to stay connected to their work without having to physically be in the office, making it a popular option for modern businesses. However, with a BYOD policy comes some risk. Here are all the things you should be aware of when considering a BYOD policy.

Data Leaks

One of the major issues that many companies have with BYOD policies is the real possibility of data leaks. With a secured, physical workstation, it’s easy to closely monitor all activity going in and out of your network. However, most handheld devices don’t have anything near the amount of security found at a typical workplace. This means that the device won’t be connected to the company firewall and security programs the second they leave the office. This can leave your data vulnerable if they plan to do work in a public place.

Lost Devices

One of the issues that comes with the convenience of mobile devices is the ability to lose them, a problem that had previously not been an issue with the physical workstations. When a device is lost, there is a chance that it could end up into the hands of someone who will use the data to gain something, such as money through extortion or valuable information. You’ll want to make sure that any device that carries sensitive information can be remotely wiped, and that they all have some fort of PIN or password for protection.

Malicious Software and Hackers

Since mobile devices don’t have as much security as your typical workstation, many lack the proper data encryption to keep all the information secure. This can often result in issues with hackers, who may lurk at public Wi-Fi spots to root out sensitive information. This also leaves the open to viruses, which are a major issue with BYOD policies. If an employee wants to bring their own device, you’ll want to make sure they understand the risk not only for your company, but for their personal lives as well.

Want to implement BYOD but you aren’t sure what security measure you will need to keep your company data away from prying eyes? Contact our Info Advantage today at (585) 254-8710 to learn more about how you can get technology to work for you.