Working remotely can be a great way to stay productive—whether you’re travelling for research, checking email between conference sessions, or settling in at a neighbourhood coffee shop. But the moment you connect from outside UBC’s managed network, you move from a secure, familiar environment into one that is often open, unpredictable, and less protected.
Public Wi-Fi in places like airports, hotels, and cafés typically offers convenience, not security. For UBC faculty and staff who work with sensitive UBC Electronic Information, using an unsecure connection increases the risk of exposing data to unauthorized access. Staying mindful of how and where you connect helps keep both you and the University safe.
The Hidden Traps in Public Networks
Public Wi-Fi can make your device more vulnerable because these networks often operate without the protections we rely on at UBC. Many of the risks are invisible in the moment but can have significant consequences:
Man-in-the-Middle Attacks and Data Interception
On unsecure networks, all device traffic travels openly through the air. Cybercriminals can intercept the information you send and receive (such as emails or login credentials), especially when the network lacks proper encryption. Techniques like packet sniffing allow attackers to quietly capture this data without your knowledge.
The “Evil Twin” Hotspot
Attackers sometimes set up fake networks that look almost identical to legitimate ones—for example, a “Hotel Guest Network” with a stronger signal. If you connect to that impostor network, the attacker can position themselves between you and the real hotspot, potentially gaining access to your device or monitoring what you send. A quick check with the venue to confirm the exact network name can help you avoid these traps.
Malware and Keyloggers
Compromised networks and fake hotspots can also be used to deliver malware. A pop-up prompting a software update may actually install malicious code such as a keylogger, which silently records every keystroke, including passwords and credit card numbers.
This risk extends to public devices like hotel business centre computers or internet café terminals. These shared machines should never be used to access sensitive UBC information.
Connecting Safely: Your Secure Alternatives
You don’t need to avoid public Wi-Fi altogether—you just need to take the right precautions, especially when working with UBC data.
| Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) | A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic. Even if someone manages to intercept your connection, the encrypted data is far less useful to them. If you must use public Wi-Fi, a VPN should always be your first line of defence. |
| Prefer Mobile Data or a Personal Hotspot | Your mobile network is often a safer option than a public hotspot. Using your cellular plan or creating a personal hotspot can significantly reduce risk when accessing work systems or sensitive information. |
| Layer Your Defences | Keeping your device software, anti-virus, and anti-malware tools up-to-date helps close the security gaps attackers often exploit. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on key accounts adds an additional barrier of protection. |
Practical Steps for UBC Faculty and Staff
Small habits can make a big difference when you’re working away from campus.
- Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi. This includes accessing personal financial accounts or viewing sensitive UBC Electronic Information.
- Turn off auto-connect and sharing features so your device doesn’t automatically join unknown networks or expose files to others on the same network. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you don’t need them.
- Log out completely when you finish using web-based applications with sensitive data. Avoid selecting “Remember Me,” especially for accounts that don’t use MFA.
Why Vigilance Matters at UBC
When faculty and staff work in public spaces or travel with their devices, they become attractive targets. Criminals, business competitors, and even hostile intelligence services actively seek access to sensitive information, including proprietary research and innovation coming out of public universities like UBC.
A single successful intrusion—such as connecting through an unsecure public Wi-Fi network—can put valuable academic work and institutional data at risk. Protecting UBC’s digital environment is a shared responsibility. By treating open networks with caution, using encryption tools like VPN, and adopting strong security habits, you help safeguard both your own information and the University’s broader research and administrative systems.
Staying connected is part of modern work. Staying secure ensures we protect the people, research, and community that make UBC exceptional.