Create strong security in a public Wi-Fi system

Increasing connectivity across smart cities will pose several cybersecurity risks, especially when it comes to free public Wi-Fi hotspots, experts at the 38th Gitex Technology Week exhibition said.

"There are many considerations when designing a Wi-Fi network or any kind of radio network to ensure that it is secure and there are a number of particular precautions which need to be taken," said Nick Watson, VP of the EMEA region at Ruckus Networks.

He added: "We need to be careful how we phrase the term 'public Wi-Fi' because making it free and then expecting that it should always be free limits the investments that might be made to build it out. Part of the awareness of building out public Wi-Fi is the necessity to secure your end device as you connect and also when you use a virtual private network."

These are things which are straightforward to a business user, but are often not thought about by the person using it, he said. The user could be completely unaware of the security concerns involved with the technology; which is why operators need to clarify for the user how to be secure when connecting to a public Wi-Fi.

"Users should be aware of simple security tactics such as using an appropriate password," Watson said. "Users try to do things in a way that is easy, and they end up putting themselves at risk. Security needs to be fool proof or easy enough for the user to administer, otherwise people will simply not use it."

Mohammad Alyousef, regional sales manager for the Middle East at Netscout Arbor, added that the gaming industry - boosted by the Internet of Things (IoT) and experiential tech - is one of the most vulnerable sectors when it comes to DDOS attacks.

"Anything that has an Internet Protocol camera can be part of an initiated DDoS attack," he said. "When you try to manage millions of end points, there will be so much more than just PCs or laptops that need to be secured."

- rohma@khaleejtimes.com

Rohma Sadaqat

I am a reporter and sub-editor on the Business desk at Khaleej Times. I mainly cover and write articles on the UAE's retail, hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.Originally from Lahore, I have been living in the UAE for more than 20 years. I graduated with a BA in Mass Communication, with a concentration in Journalism, and a double minor in History and International Studies from the American University of Sharjah.If you see me out and about on assignment in Dubai, feel free to stop me, say hello, and we can chat about the latest kitten videos on YouTube.