The Biggest Security Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi for Business

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere—coffee shops, airports, hotels, and even on trains. It’s incredibly convenient, especially for remote workers and business travelers. But have you ever considered the public Wi-Fi security risks that come with these free networks?

Connecting to unsecured networks can expose your business to cybercriminals looking to steal sensitive data. Two of the biggest threats? Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and Evil Twin attacks.

1. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Imagine you’re in a café, sending an important email or logging into your business account. You think your device is securely connected, but a hacker has secretly positioned themselves between you and the network. This is called a Man-in-the-Middle attack, and it allows cybercriminals to intercept everything you send—passwords, emails, financial details, and more.

Stolen data can be used for phishing scams, identity theft, or even direct financial fraud. Learn more about MITM attacks from CISA.

2. Evil Twin Attacks

Ever seen multiple Wi-Fi networks at an airport, like “Free Airport Wi-Fi” and “Airport Secure Wi-Fi”? One of them might be a trap. In an Evil Twin attack, cybercriminals set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to trick users into connecting. Once you’re on their network, they can monitor everything you do, steal your cookies, and even install malware on your device.

These attacks are a major concern for businesses handling sensitive client data. Even cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky warn against them.

How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be a security risk, but you need to take precautions:

• Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (banking, work emails, or confidential business systems) while on public Wi-Fi.
• Use websites with HTTPS encryption—look for the padlock symbol in your browser.
• Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections on your devices to prevent them from joining rogue networks.
• Be cautious with pop-ups—cybercriminals often use fake alerts to trick users into installing malware.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all business accounts to add an extra layer of security.
• Keep your software and antivirus updated to protect against the latest threats.

Avoiding public Wi-Fi altogether isn’t always practical, but taking these steps can greatly reduce your risk. Ask yourself: Is the convenience of free Wi-Fi worth exposing your business data?

If you need expert help securing your business data, get in touch with us today.