3 min read

Is MiFi Secure?

Is MiFi Secure?

MiFi has become a popular tool for teams who need to stay connected on the go - but is MiFi secure? Let's take a closer look. 

Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, Wi-Fi for business was a slightly more troublesome process than it is today. With dial-up connections, floppy disks and cloud computing being pretty much unheard of, using the internet was very much a one-size-fits all process. 

In 2022, the situation is very different. Technology has instead evolved to fit the consumer, especially in the realm of remote working and globalisation. With more businesses needing employees to work as they travel, not to mention the looming PSTN switch-off, it is important that companies acquire Wi-Fi solutions that meet their needs. 

One recent innovation is MiFi - also known as portable Wi-Fi. MiFi devices essentially do exactly what they say on the tin, and provide a pocket-sized hub that can provide internet connection to numerous devices via data, as long as you are in range of 4/5G signal. 

However, as with any new technology, the primary concern surrounding MiFi is security, with a lot of consumers wondering if MiFi is secure enough to be worth the investment. In this article, I will provide some insight into the world of MiFi and answer a few common questions surrounding device security. 

 

Is MiFi More Secure Than WiFi? 

There has been a lot of debate surrounding whether MiFi is more secure than Wi-Fi. Assuming that you are using your MiFi device for travel purposes, the answer is that MiFi is generally about as secure as your mobile hotspot, and more secure than using open public networks. 

It is a well-known fact that public Wi-Fi hotspots are not the most secure connectivity solutions going. Even the legitimate ones usually come with zero security measures in place, and some are even false, set up by hackers intending to steal information. 

Whilst these networks might be fine for checking Twitter or reading a quick Your Comms Group news article, they probably aren't the best for managing secure business operations - and the dodgy signal and poor connection speeds usually mean that it certainly isn't worth the risk. 

On the other hand, a portable Wi-Fi network is for your use and your use only, meaning that there is a limited risk of hackers infiltrating the system and stealing important data. Additionally, there are plenty of ways that you can secure your MiFi service to the max - more on this later. 

 

What are the MiFi Security Risks?

Fundamentally, no device comes with perfect security right off the bat, and MiFi routers have their fair share of security weak spots too - although, admittedly, not as many as some other connectivity solutions. 

mifi (1)

MiFi routers are still vulnerable to similar dangers to those that plague conventional Wi-Fi systems, such as attacks from hackers, scammers and viruses. Luckily, however, there are several security measures that you can take to keep your MiFi router safer than ever. 

 

How Can I Make Sure my MiFi Connection is Secure? 

There are a number of simple ways that you can secure your MiFi system. 

  • Create a strong password. Strong passwords are the absolute basics of Tech Security 101. Make your password long, random (e.g. never use your birthday, for instance) and incorporate a range of numbers, symbols and capital letters. 

  • Give out your password sparingly. If someone has your network password, they can access your MiFi connection - it is as simple as that. This could be as simple as your friend using your portable router to watch YouTube on the sly, or something a little more dangerous, such as a hacker attempting to steal data. Either way, the former eats up your data allowance and the latter could be detrimental to your business - when in doubt, keep your password to yourself. 

  • Use a VPN. A VPN - or Virtual Private Network - keeps your traffic encrypted and prevents hackers from accessing important data, whilst concealing your IP address in the process. There are a range of VPNs on the market that provide high-speed and secure browsing, helping to alleviate any MiFi security concerns. 

  • Adjust your router's SSID. In short, your device's SSID (Service Set Identifier) is the public name of the router itself. If you change this to something a little more ambiguous, your device and its vulnerabilities will be less recognisable to hackers. 

Secure MiFi Solutions

In summary, making sure that your MiFi router provides a secure internet connection is a pretty straightforward process, and the benefits are huge. The ability to access fast and safe internet from anywhere in the world is the perfect way to futureproof your business communications, especially if you have a remote or globalised workforce. 

Your Comms Group provide a range secure MiFi and other connectivity solutions. To find out more, get in touch with our team of friendly professionals.  

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