Cybersecurity in public places: why it’s important

Can you recall how many times you’ve been out for lunch and forgotten to remove your company ID? How about accessing a free Internet connection in a restaurant? Or discussed work matters with your colleagues in a public place? The fact is you have to be careful with information both inside and outside the workplace, since you never know who might be lurking about, waiting for the perfect opportunity to steal valuable information about your company. 

Moreover, with the rising popularity of remote work, many people have started working in places other than their own homes: hotel rooms, coffee shops, coworking facilities, parks, and so on. Nowadays, any place with an Internet connection and a power outlet can be used as an office.

Of course, being able to access the Internet anywhere offers many benefits, like being able to answer an email on the spot, solve urgent problems via text messages, and so on. However, it's not all plain sailing. While it certainly is convenient to answer work emails while accessing free Wi-Fi on public transportation or to discuss work matters over lunch with colleagues, there’s a good chance you may be putting your information and devices at risk. 

Check out some of the most important cybersecurity best practices in public places below to protect both your personal and company information!

Public Wi-Fi Networks 

Ideally, you should avoid using public Wi-Fi networks as much as possible, but when there’s no other alternative, be sure to follow these tips:

Keeping your devices and software up to date is really important, and this goes for antivirus as well as all software and applications installed on your device, like your browser, for example. This will prevent cybercriminals from exploiting recognized vulnerabilities while you’re connected.

Only access websites that have the HTTPS protocol and avoid logging into any account while connected to a public Wi-Fi network. For example, if you really need to access your bank account, it’s far safer to use mobile data to prevent your account from being hijacked.

Disable automatic connection. This way you can be sure that your devices will not reconnect to networks you have already accessed, or to an unknown network without you realizing it. 

In a really urgent situation, when your only option is to use a public Wi-Fi network, be sure to use a VPN, which encrypts all data leaving your device. 

Watch out for who’s around

Are you drafting an important report? Do you have a business presentation full of data to share with a client? Need to send a message to your colleague about a project? Be careful when it comes to who may be around you.

We have zero control over who is around us and what their intentions are when out in public. As such, do your best to avoid handling confidential information in these situations. If there is no other way, find a place where your screen will not be visible.

Be cautious when transporting work equipment

Care with company equipment should begin before you even turn it on. Use company protective measures when using laptops, mobile phones and other devices in public.

Never leave devices visible in your car, or if you must, place them in the trunk, which is usually your best option to protect them from thieves. Also remember not to store them in easily-accessible places or outside of your field of vision, like in your pants pocket or backpack.

Don't discuss sensitive company topics in public

A casual chat with a co-worker about your company's plans and strategies may be gold to someone eavesdropping nearby. Be careful when talking about professional matters in elevators, halls, kitchens, and other common-use places.

Also, watch what you say during remote meetings and on calls. It’s always best to use a headset and find somewhere private whenever dealing with sensitive topics.

The Internet is also a public place!

We are so used to social networks, apps, and content platforms that we sometimes forget that the Internet is almost like a public square and anything we post can be accessed by countless other people.

Some of the tops tips for staying safe in this huge public square called the Internet are: 

• Avoid disclosing your current location on social networks;

• Carefully check what appears in the background of your photos! Papers on your desk, post-its, and your computer screen can reveal confidential information;

• Never publish prints or information about your company's projects.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a variety of workplaces while ensuring your company's cybersecurity!