Your personal information could be obtainable on public networks

The fact that Wi-Fi connections are widely available makes it easy to perform work anywhere. That convenience does come with a risk, as using public networks increases the odds of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Here are some things you need to know about public networks that will help you remain more secure.

Inherently Insecure

Many people are lulled into a false sense of security when using public Wi-Fi. Cybercrime prosecutor Kevin Clark claims that the odds of your computer being hacked while using a public network is far greater than your home being burglarized. Hackers can access your information within seconds, often without you even realizing it. The greatest risk comes when using open networks that do not require a password; however, there is some risk involved when using password-protected networks as well.

Smart Phone Risk

Smart phones tend to be less secure than personal computers. Approximately 53% of all consumers report that they do not regularly update security settings on their mobile devices. In addition, computer browsers have built-in defenses that make it easier to detect when an attack is underway. Some smart phones will also connect to networks automatically, leaving you vulnerable to having information stolen. You may not think of smart phone security as being important, but you should nonetheless take reasonable precautions to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Best Practices

You should never assume a network is legitimate. When accessing a public network such as those at a coffee shop, check with the establishment first to make sure the name is correct. Decoy networks are often used to gather information from unsuspecting users, and are a leading cause of security breaches. Once you are connected, avoid making any financial transactions, and do not check your email or post on social media. In fact, you should avoid logging into any sites that require a user name and password. Turn off all files and printers that a third party might use to access your computer, and set up firewalls to prevent unsolicited communications.

Using a VPN

You run an even higher risk of experiencing a security breach if you allow employees to “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD). In that instance, you may want to consider using a Virtual Private Network or VPN instead. VPNs allow you to create a secure connection to another network, and are noted for their ability to protect your computer while on public Wi-Fi.  With a VPN, your computer contacts websites through an encrypted connection, making it just as secure as if you were at your own location.  VPNs can be added for a nominal fee, and may even be rented on an “as needed” basis.

Performing work remotely is now so commonplace that many people find themselves unable to function without the use of public networks. If you are one of them, you must constantly be aware of the dangers if you are to avoid being hacked. For maximum security, you should employ the best practices listed here and establish policies that require your employees to do the same.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.