Cafes, stations, hotels and shared workspaces make it easy to keep your business running from anywhere. The trade-off is that public Wi-Fi networks are not under your control, and that can expose your account information if you are not careful.
The main risks
- Someone on the same network potentially intercepting unprotected traffic.
- Fake hotspots set up to look like a genuine free network.
- Shoulder surfing, where someone simply watches your screen or keyboard.
How to reduce the risk
- Avoid signing in to your portal or doing sensitive financial tasks on public Wi-Fi where you can.
- If you must, use a reputable VPN to encrypt your connection.
- Consider using your phone's own mobile data, which is generally safer than an open network.
- Check the exact network name with staff rather than guessing, to avoid fake hotspots.
Good habits anywhere
- Keep two-factor authentication switched on, so a stolen password alone is not enough.
- Sign out fully when you finish, rather than just closing the lid.
- Be aware of who can see your screen in a public place.
If you think your account may have been accessed while you were on an untrusted network, change your password and contact us through a verified channel.
See also: Using Credicorp Flex without becoming over-reliant on it, Keeping your devices secure for business finance and Protecting your business from social media and messaging scams.