Airport Wi-Fi has become a need for travelers in a time when keeping connected is crucial. It acts as a lifeline for anything from last-minute travel adjustments to professional correspondence. However, worries about its security have led some people to wonder whether utilizing public networks comes with any inherent risks.
According to a report by Explore.com, accessing airport Wi-Fi networks might not be as secure as one would hope. The convenience it offers often comes at the cost of compromised cybersecurity. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in these networks, potentially gaining access to sensitive information.
Aura, a cybersecurity company, emphasizes that travelers should exercise caution when connecting to airport Wi-Fi. "Public networks are prime targets for cyberattacks. It's like leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime area," warns their security expert. Hackers can employ various techniques, such as "Man-in-the-Middle" attacks, to intercept data transmitted over these networks.
MarketSplash echoes these concerns, urging travelers to take proactive measures. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective ways to secure online activities. A VPN creates a secure tunnel between the device and the internet, encrypting data and making it significantly harder for cybercriminals to intercept.
Additionally, it's advised to avoid accessing sensitive information, like banking accounts or private emails, while on public Wi-Fi. Instead, it's safer to use cellular data or wait until connecting to a trusted network.
While these warnings might sound alarming, it's important to note that not all airport Wi-Fi networks are equally risky. Some airports invest heavily in cybersecurity measures, offering safer browsing experiences. As a rule of thumb, using well-known airports and verifying the network's legitimacy can reduce risks.
Research by SecurityScorecard shows that the vast majority of the Global 2000 Forbes list's essential manufacturing organizations have high-severity vulnerabilities in their systems that have not been patched.
CISA last week published multiple advisories warning the ICS industry of critical security vulnerabilities impacting products from GE Digital, Mitsubishi Electric, and Contec. Another advisory warned against flawed products from Sewio, Siemens, Sauter Controls, and InHand Networks.
Researchers from Trend Micro identified the Agenda ransomware group developing a new version of their ransomware in Rust, during the same month. The ransomware group has been targeting manufacturing and IT sectors in multiple different countries and made off with $550 million in earnings.
The rising cases of cyberattacks against critical infrastructure have made it necessary for policymakers and business professionals to have an in-depth understanding of the security measures in place for their manufacturing environment. It is being advised to strive for a more collaborative and integrated approach to cybersecurity resilience, that would bring together the public and commercial sectors to safeguard critical infrastructure all across the world.