The Wi-Fi hotspot is widely seen as the mobile worker's best friend. It can also open up the enterprise to a security-related disaster if not treated with the proper degree of respect and caution. Ensure mobile-equipped employees are prepared for wireless battle before they log in from their neighborhood coffee shop.

Coffee, Tea or Stolen Data?

On the surface, it's a no-brainer: free or inexpensive Wi-Fi access from the local coffee shop, bookstore, or airport represents a convenient way to get online from anywhere. Because these hotspots allow employees to be productive in more places, enterprises have tended to overlook any drawbacks to their use in a corporate context.

Despite their convenience, these uncontrolled access points come with a dark side. Because they are often largely unmanaged, using them can significantly increase the potential for a security breach. Don't simply turn employees loose with Wi-Fi-capable laptops and mobile devices...