5 Most Common Wi-Fi Security Risks in 2024

Many people use Wi-Fi networks to access the internet while on the go, and most public places now provide it – often for free. But, the fact that these networks are readily available means they also open the door to threat actors. 

Let’s find out what the top Wi-Fi security risks are in 2024, and how you can browse the Internet safely when you’re out and about. 

How Does Wi-Fi Work?

Wi-Fi acts as the gateway between your devices (like phones, tablets, computers, and smart TV) and the internet. This process involves:

• The internet. The internet is provided to homes and businesses through an Internet Service Provider (ISP), typically via a wired connection (like a phone line, fiber optics, or cable). This connection is then routed to a modem.
• A router. The modem connects to a Wi-Fi router, which converts this internet connection into wireless signals using radio waves. The router broadcasts these signals within a certain range and over frequency bands (typically 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
• A device. Your device is equipped with a Wi-Fi antenna that picks up these radio signals and communicates with the router, letting you access the internet.

Why Do Public Wi-Fi Networks Pose a Security Risk?

It’s easy to fall into a false sense of security with public Wi-Fi networks. But just because the baristas at your local coffee shop are friendly, doesn’t mean the users on their network are too. 

Whether they’ve broken into a Wi-Fi network, set up a dummy connection, or simply gained free access to a legitimate network, attackers have many ways to monitor and intercept the information being transmitted from your device. While public Wi-FI networks should ideally be encrypted, many aren’t. 

Many people today (particularly remote workers) access sensitive corporate, financial, and personal assets on the go, which makes public Wi-Fi networks a treasure trove for cybercriminals. 

Just one airport network, for instance, could hold hundreds to thousands of potential targets. 

5 Common Wi-Fi Security Risks 

40% of people reported having their information compromised while using public Wi-Fi networks. Here are five of the most common Wi-Fi security risks to watch out for in 2024:

#1: Brute Force Attacks 

If your Wi-Fi network is secured by a password, a threat actor may use a brute force attack, which involves systematically guessing multiple password combinations to try and crack it. 

Once they’ve gained a foothold in the network, they can intercept traffic and steal sensitive information. 

#2: Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

One of the most common Wi-Fi security risks is a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack. This involves an attacker placing themselves between your device and the Wi-Fi router to intercept the flow of data. They can do this by:

• Setting up a fake Wi-Fi network for you to connect to
• Exploiting vulnerabilities in legitimate networks

#3: Malware Distribution

Threat actors can use unsecured Wi-Fi networks to deliver malware to connected devices, often through infected packages or links. Once your device is compromised, threat actors can:

• Monitor your activity
• Steal your data
• Exploit your system to launch further attacks

#4: Deauthentication 

Threat actors can send fake disconnection signals to a device, forcing it to disconnect from a legitimate Wi-Fi network. This allows them to redirect the connection to a malicious network, or capture login credentials and personal data when the device tries to reconnect.

#5: Packet Sniffing

Packet sniffing is a technique used by attackers to capture and analyze the data being sent across a Wi-Fi network. On unsecured public networks, sensitive information like passwords or personal emails can be intercepted.

How to Spot Risky Wi-Fi Networks

Some Wi-Fi networks are less secure than others. Here are some red flags to look out for:

• Generic Names. Threat actors can create fake hotspots to trick users into connecting (and launch a MITM attack). For this reason, be wary of networks with generic names like “Free Wi-Fi” or “Public Wi-Fi.” 
• Unsecured Connections. If the websites you visit aren’t secured with Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), which is indicated by a padlock symbol in your browser, your data could be exposed. Stick to encrypted websites, especially when dealing with sensitive information.
• Suspicious Activity. If you notice unusual pop-ups, sudden disconnections, or your device behaving strangely, it could be a sign that the network is compromised. 

Top 5 Best Practices for Safe Browsing

Whether you’re working from your hotel for the day or finishing up a last-minute project at the airport, it’s important to take the right precautions when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. 

Here’s how you can make your browsing experience safer:

#1: Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and masks your IP address, making it much harder for attackers to intercept your data. 

It’s one the most reliable ways to protect yourself on Wi-Fi networks. 

#2: Strengthen Your Authentication 

Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts where possible. This adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if an attacker obtains your login credentials, they can’t instantly access your data. 

#3: Don’t Join Unsecured Networks

Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks that don’t require a password, as they’re likely vulnerable to attack. Try to only connect to networks that use WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols, which offer better protection.

#4: Adjust Your Connection Settings

Before connecting to public Wi-Fi, head to your device settings. Set your network settings to “public,” and disable file sharing to prevent unauthorized access to your data files, and turn off the auto-connect feature to stop your device from unintentionally connecting to unsafe networks.

#5: Stay Alert For Suspicious Websites and Requests 

Once you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, keep security at the front of your mind when on the go – check for HTTPS in website URLs and ask yourself whether any requests you come across (especially for passwords and verification) are necessary and/or legitimate. 

Maximize Network Security with Check Point’s SASE

Protecting your employees from threats—wherever they work—requires advanced solutions. Check Point’s SASE provides fast and reliable access to all of your on-prem and cloud resources while safeguarding your network with Zero Trust access, advanced threat prevention, AI-powered security, and more. 

Equipped with a Secure Web Gateway and powerful VPN services, Check Point’s SASE makes it easy to protect your most critical assets and unlock superior internet security performance. 

Book a free demo today to find out more.