The Two Biggest Threats of Using Public Wi-Fi for Business

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere—coffee shops, airports, hotels, and even on public transport. It’s a convenient way to stay connected, especially for business travelers and remote workers. But did you know that using public Wi-Fi for business can put your company’s sensitive data at risk?

Cybercriminals take advantage of unsecured networks to steal passwords, financial details, and other critical business information. Two of the biggest threats you need to watch out for are Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks and Evil Twin attacks.

Threat #1: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

A Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack happens when a hacker secretly intercepts your connection to a public Wi-Fi network. You may think you’re securely sending an email or logging into your business accounts, but in reality, a cybercriminal is monitoring everything you do online.

How does it work?

  • A hacker inserts themselves between your device and the Wi-Fi network.
  • They can see everything you send and receive, including passwords, emails, and financial information.
  • The stolen data can then be used for identity theft, phishing scams, or financial fraud.

Because MITM attacks happen in the background, most people don’t even realize they’ve been hacked until it’s too late.

Threat #2: Evil Twin Attacks

An Evil Twin attack is when cybercriminals create a fake Wi-Fi network that looks legitimate. For example, at an airport, you might see two options:

  • “Airport Free Wi-Fi”
  • “Airport Wi-Fi Secure”

One of these could be a fake hotspot set up by hackers. If you connect to the wrong network, they can:

  • Monitor everything you do online.
  • Steal your login details and personal data.
  • Install malware on your device without you even clicking anything.

In some cases, hackers can even steal your session cookies, allowing them to log into your accounts without needing your password.

How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Using public Wi-Fi doesn’t have to be a security risk—if you take the right precautions. Here are some simple steps to keep your business and data safe:

✔ Avoid accessing sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi, including passwords and financial accounts.
✔ Only visit websites that use HTTPS, which encrypts your data. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar.
✔ Use security-focused browser extensions to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
✔ Turn off auto-join Wi-Fi on your business devices to prevent automatic connections to unsafe networks.
✔ Ignore suspicious pop-ups, especially those asking for personal details or software downloads.
✔ Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts for an extra layer of security.
✔ Keep your devices updated, as software updates often include security patches to protect against new threats.

Is Public Wi-Fi Worth the Risk?

While free Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s important to ask yourself: Is it worth the risk of exposing my business data? A small mistake could lead to data breaches, financial loss, or identity theft.

At Amicus IT, we help businesses in the Greater St. Louis area protect their data—no matter where they work.

🔹 Want to keep your business secure? Book a FREE 15- Minute Consultation to see how we can better serve you!

#Cybersecurity #PublicWiFiRisks #BusinessSecurity #ITSupport #AmicusIT

We proudly Serve businesses in St. Louis and the surrounding areas and as always Stay ahead of the curve with our Free Guides and Tech Updates—to keep your business secure and efficient!