Firms urged to tackle Wi-Fi hotspot risks
Firms need to do more to ensure the security of mobile devices used by staff in Wi-Fi hotspots provided by wireless internet service providers (Wisps) or other third parties, according to a new report. Failure to do so could result in legal problems if, for example, data is stolen.
The report, compiled by law firm Charles Russell in association with managed Wisp iBahn, says that although there have so far been no such legal actions in the UK, the dangers are increasing, which may push more companies to promote enforceable security policies.
Robin Bynoe, a partner at Charles Russell, said, "If somebody is stupid enough not to protect their laptops then it comes down to who has got their small print in place [to avoid liability] – the Wi-Fi provider, the venue for Wi-Fi provision or the corporate. It's also important to educate users – if you don't tell people why [security is] important, they won't take any notice."
