Working while traveling may seem innocent enough; however, a few minutes on an unsecured public Wi-Fi can do serious damage. Your stakes are even higher if you have admin access to your employer’s business or your own high-profile accounts.
Today, staying safe requires more than picking a complex password. It requires users to have a slightly better handle on cybersecurity and follow some simple safety procedures.
Read on to find out why we say that.
The Invisible Threats Hiding in the Lounge
Before you hit “Join Network,” it pays to know who could be watching. Cybercriminals are not just hooded people in dark rooms; they are often sitting three tables away from you in an airport lounge with a laptop and a double espresso.
The “Man-in-the-Middle” Technique
One of the most common traps is the Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack. Here, the hacker is essentially standing between your device and the router.
Your data, emails, Slack messages, login credentials, etc., talk to the attacker’s machine first, instead of talking directly to the hotspot. They’re not just listening in; they are reading your screen from the inside, over your shoulder.
Evil Twins and Rogue Hotspots
Ever noticed two networks with almost identical names, like “Airport_Guest” and “Free_Airport_Guest”? One of those is likely an “Evil Twin.” These are rogue hotspots set up by hackers specifically to lure in unsuspecting travelers.
Once you’re connected, the attacker can monitor which sites you visit and may attempt techniques like SSL stripping to intercept sensitive data. These “friendly” looking connections are among the most successful vectors for credential theft.
Securing Your Device Before Travel
Securing your workflow begins before you head out—with tweaking the settings on your laptop and phone. You can’t do much about a coffee shop’s shady Wi-Fi, but you do have a say in how your devices handle those connections.
- Get rid of auto-connect: Turn off the feature that lets your phone jump onto open networks by itself. The last thing you want is your phone latching onto a risky hotspot while you’re not even paying attention.
- Disable file sharing: While at work, AirDrop and file sharing are productivity gold. However, at the terminal, it’s a wide-open vulnerability just waiting to be exploited. Turn off “File and Printer Sharing” so that no outsiders can snoop into your folders.
- Firewall frontlines: It may seem obvious, but many road warriors deactivate their firewalls in an effort to get around hotel Wi-Fi that doesn’t play nice with their computer. Beware; don’t let your guard down.
The Professional Nomad’s Tech Stack
If you want a solid security posture, you need tools that do the heavy lifting. You should not have to rely on a barista’s IT setup to do the right thing.
The Encrypted Tunnel
One of the safest things you can do while traveling is to encrypt your data. Business travelers usually do this by installing a VPN, which creates an encrypted tunnel in which your data travels, so even if someone gains access to it, all they will see is just encrypted information.
Check if the Padlock Is There
Check the address bar for the HTTPS indicator; most modern browsers display a security or site information icon to confirm the connection is encrypted. This indicates a TLS-encrypted connection between you and the website. To stay on the safe side, use built-in browser extensions that force an encrypted connection whenever possible. Relying on unencrypted sites in a public space is an invitation for trouble.
Don’t Forget About Physical Security
Beyond installing the correct software for your computer, you have to be aware of what’s going on around you. A busy terminal is also a place for people to peek at your screen. If you work with confidential items like payroll, wire transfers, HR approvals, or important information regarding mergers and acquisitions, you will want to apply some physical security aside from your VPNs and antivirus software. This includes installing a physical privacy filter, setting up a secure Wi-Fi Hotspot, and making sure no one can see your login info.
Keeping the Security Momentum Going
In international business, speed and connectivity will be your best friends, but make sure they don’t turn into your worst enemies. Approach all open networks with a critical eye and take all necessary precautions. In doing so, you can concentrate on the task at hand without having to wonder whether your conversation is being monitored.