NuData Details Dangers of Public Wi-Fi

NuData Security is warning other companies about the dangers of public Wi-Fi networks. The company argued that the problem is particularly pressing now that the world is starting to reopen, since people are more likely to connect to public Wi-Fi networks (either in coffee shops or other locations) if they want to do work while on the go.

The problem, according to NuData, is that many people do not pay much attention when connecting to other networks. A full two-thirds of the public set up their devices to connect to any nearby networks automatically, and may not even be aware of it when that device links up with another network. As a result, a cybercriminal could set up their own unencrypted network, and use that to troll for information about and send malware to any devices that connect.

From there, the criminal would be able to intercept and modify any information that goes between the user’s device and the corporate hub that they are trying to access. The hacker can try to hold that information hostage, or impersonate an employee to do further damage to the broader system.

NuData went on to detail some of the steps that organizations can take to guard against that threat. Most notably, they can implement a policy that mandates that all traffic on a company device must go through a trusted VPN, and make sure that employees are aware of the risks associated with public Wi-Fi. They can also utilize behavioral biometrics to detect threats more quickly and authenticate employees on an ongoing basis.

While remote traffic has increased during that pandemic, much of that comes from people working from home, who are accessing corporate materials from a familiar network. That will no longer be the case once lockdown ends and people become more mobile. That’s why NuData believes that organizations need to be more proactive about their security posture, to prepare for the continued evolution of the remote work environment. 

NuData has previously argued that behavioral biometrics can help online retailers retain customers as brick-and-mortar stores start to resume their regular operations. The company has also warned consumers about social engineering scams that take advantage of COVID-19.

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April 28, 2021 – by Eric Weiss