The dangers of free wifi

However, the precautions needed to make public WiFi completely safe are simple, allowing you to have peace of mind when connecting to any public hotspot. There are many risks associated with unsecured or public WiFi networks. Even if the network in question is a secure public WiFi hotspot, if all you need to do is ask one of the employees for the password, then anyone who wants access can get in anyway.

Generally, attacks that take advantage of poor public WiFi security fall under the category of man-in-the-middle attacks. This means pretty much exactly what it sounds like, with the attacker positioned between you and the server you are trying to access, with you none the wiser.

This allows the attacker to capture all of your traffic, which they can use to steal your personal information, swipe payment details, such as credit cards, and even manipulate the data packages to install malware or spyware on your device. Monitoring the incoming and outgoing traffic on a public network is one type of man-in-the-middle attack that is shockingly easy to pull off.

Another common avenue of attack on public WiFi networks is known as malware injection. As mentioned above, attackers can use snooping software to inspect the data coming in and out of your device, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Not only will they be able to see your traffic, but they could also manipulate it. Generally, encrypting your traffic is enough to prevent this type of attack from happening. However, as mentioned earlier, the attacker may have gained access to the server credentials for the site you are visiting, which allows them to bypass the encryption entirely and insert malware into your browsing traffic even on a secure connection.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals operating on legitimate WiFi hotspots is only one of the possible risks you face when using a public connection. And, of course, it would be possible for a cybercriminal to use the access to hack your device as well. Here are important steps to take before using public Wi-Fi:.

Top Stories. Top Videos. Getty Images. Rogue Wi-Fi networks. You and your team could be tricked into using a rogue Wi-Fi network set up by an attacker. That network enticingly called "Free Wi-Fi" may be set up precisely to harvest your business's valuable data.

Man-in-the-middle attacks. Connecting to free, public Wi-Fi brings business risks from having your company data intercepted by third parties. This is because hackers have the ability to position themselves between your employees who are using the Wi-Fi and the connection point.

Distribution of malware over unsecured Wi-Fi. Hackers can also use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to distribute malware. New and advanced technology has drastically changed the practice of law. Technology has enabled lawyers to easily access, exchange, and provide information to the courts, opposing counsel, and clients. Given the demanding nature of our work, we as attorneys have been eager to learn to use new technology in order to be more productive and efficient.

In the process, we have also put ourselves at risk of forgetting that certain technologies can actually pose a major threat to our practice — and to our clients. Attorneys have an ethical duty to keep client-attorney communications and informational exchanges private and confidential. This duty has now expanded to cover staying up-to-date on knowing how to safeguard against hackers or perhaps even unscrupulous opposing parties who may try to gain unauthorized access to the information we store for our clients.

By way of example, if a client gives you an engagement ring for safekeeping and you place it in an unlocked, open safe compared to one with a secure combination lock only you know the code to, where is it more likely to remain? Hackers look for weak spots and vulnerabilities wherever they can be found.

For example, they might try to use a rogue Wi-Fi access point, which could be installed on your private or office secure network without your knowledge or authorization. Once installed, the person controlling it could potentially access your secured network and wreak havoc by stealing information or changing settings.

Imagine you invite the parties and attorneys involved in a very contentious case to your office for mediation.