Abstract
Information security is considered both an evolving field and a key
concern in the modern mobile society. This research explores the
vulnerabilities of public, free Wi-Fi hotspots, how their security can
be compromised, and the perceptions of end-users, network
administrators/owners and information security experts on
cyber-security. Primary data was gathered through interviews with these
three groups of stakeholders. An experimental test was also set up in a
controlled environment to perform penetration testing. The goal of the
experimental test was two-fold: to verify whether it is indeed
practically possible to exploit the vulnerabilities of public Wi-Fi
networks and to assess the level of difficulty for achieving this. The
gathered insights were critically evaluated against the literature
towards exploring the state of cyber-security in Cyprus. The findings
from the thematic analysis of the interviews reaffirm what the
literature suggests with regards to users’ and owners’ lack of awareness
and technical skills. Additionally, convenience and cost were cited as
major factors explaining why strict security measures are not deployed
by small businesses. Coupled with these findings, the experimental test
revealed the ease and speed with which public Wi-Fi networks can be
compromised.