Public Network definition
Generally, a public network refers to any accessible network to any user without restrictions. Regarding cybersecurity, public networks pose more risks and have more vulnerabilities than private networks because they are open and are easily accessed by malicious actors or fraudsters. Due to the public network security flaws, it is advisable to employ cybersecurity measures for individuals and organizations to ensure sensitive data integrity, availability, and security.
See also: Wi-Fi protected access pre-shared key
Common public networks and cybersecurity:
- Public Wi-Fi security: For users to stay safer while using public Wi-Fi in airports, cafes, or hotels, cybersecurity tools such as VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are advisable. They encrypt internet traffic and protect it from potential eavesdroppers or attackers on the same network.
- Web application firewalls (WAF): Various websites and applications that are openly accessible over public internet connections, at most times, deploy WAFs to protect users against common web-based attacks and threats, like SQL injections, cross-site scripting, and DDoS attacks.
- Content delivery networks (CDN) with security features: CDNs are connected with web content distribution across a global network of servers often equipped with security features that safeguard against threats, ensuring that delivered and received content to end-users is not modified, tempered or malicious.
