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Businesses should use 4G rather than Wi-Fi

in Public Places

Many people may work outside of an office or workplace and choose to do so in public places

such as, coffee shops or airports. Privacy is always at risk when sending large and often sensitive

files across a WiFi network and in the past, often mobile internet could not provide the necessary

speed to do so.

Recent advancements and the appearance of 4G, means that speeds are almost double that of

Wi-Fi networks -particularly when there are many users connected at the same time. 4G also

offers considerably more protection for business and client data. However, an additional security

layer such as the EE security solution should also be used with it.

According to the EU law enforcement agency, people are advised to, “avoid sending or receiving

sensitive data over public Wi-Fi because it is at risk of being intercepted by hackers”

The Cybercrime Unit have also pointed out the availability and ease of access provided to

cybercriminals who can take advantage of numerous high street coffee shop networks. Hacking

by this method may have increased for a number of reasons. A recent survey has shown that, last

year there were 1.3 million Wi-Fi hotspots globally and this is less than a quarter of the number

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of hotspots projected to be publically accessible in 2015. More employers are expecting their

staff to be able to travel whilst working. Additionally, it has been demonstrated by technology

experts how easily data can be extracted through Wi-Fi, even if it has been secured with a

password.

The hacking can be performed from a short distance away, meaning that there is no requirement

for the hacker to even enter the building. A common method used by hackers is deceptive

hotspots, concealed as genuine networks with names like “Free Public Wi-FI.” Once connected,

the hackers have access to browsing data and files saved on devices.

People should also be careful as viruses and malware are rife on Wi-Fi networks. It is suggested

to minimise the risks of exposure to hackers and malicious code, employers may wish to supply

4G capable technologies to their staff. 4G ensures that all data is encrypted –or scrambled and

will send data at a much quicker speed and can be used on smartphones, tablets and laptops

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