The Cabinet Division has issued a warning to federal ministries, divisions, and provincial governments about the security risks associated with Wi-Fi and wireless networks, urging strict precautionary measures to protect sensitive information.
In a letter circulated to government bodies, wireless routers were classified as insecure devices, highlighting that network traffic can easily be intercepted through Wi-Fi, posing significant risks to users and organizations. The letter also warned that internet traffic could be diverted to insecure directions via router updates, and files or directories could unintentionally be shared from Wi-Fi networks.
To counter these threats, the Cabinet Division recommended several key measures for users:
- Use complex Wi-Fi passwords: The letter emphasized creating strong, complex passwords to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
- Disable guest networks: Users were advised to turn off guest networks to limit access to trusted devices only.
- Keep Wi-Fi names confidential: It was suggested that users avoid revealing their Wi-Fi names or IDs to enhance privacy and security.
The warning underscores the importance of securing wireless networks, especially in a digital age where cyber threats continue to evolve.