The Hidden Risk Behind Every Trade: Why Secure Connectivity On the Go Must Be Non-Negotiable

In today's high-stakes commodities and energy markets, staying connected isn't optional - it's highly critical.

Specifically, traders, analysts and logistics teams rely on real-time access to market data, trading platforms and global communications to make fast, informed decisions. Whether trading overseas or working remotely, every second and every connection counts.

But there’s a dangerous trade-off: mobility often sacrifices security. Public Wi-Fi, unsecured hotspots and rogue access points expose traders and analysts to breaches, sabotage and manipulation.

Relying on these to access sensitive trading platforms, financial records, or proprietary data can lead to disastrous breaches, market manipulation, or compliance failures.

This is where our 5G Secure MiFi steps in. For today’s trading professionals, it’s more than just internet on the go - it’s a secure, encrypted connectivity solution designed to protect your operations and your bottom line.

Where Mobile Connectivity Fails and What It Could Cost You

1.    Public Wi-Fi: An Invisible Threat to Market Integrity

With mobile work becoming the norm across the commodities and energy sector since the pandemic, trade and field professionals are increasingly connecting from airports, hotels, cafes and remote work sites. While public Wi-Fi may offer convenience, it poses several serious risks.

These public networks often lack strong encryption and are commonly configured with default credentials, leaving them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. A single intercepted trade confirmation could result in multi-million-dollar losses or leak strategic market data to competitors.

In fact, survey data from Forbes (see Figure 1 below) shows that 25% of users who experienced compromised information over public Wi-Fi were connected at a café and 23% from the airport, reinforcing how public Wi-Fi usage on the go can be deceptively risky. Travel-related Wi-Fi usage, particularly in transient environments, has been shown to carry even greater exposure to cyber threats.

Figure 1: The Real Risks Of Public Wi-Fi: Key Statistics And Usage Data

(Forbes Advisor, 2024)

One notable example is the 2023 case involving Michael Clapsis, who set up a fake “evil twin” Wi-Fi network aboard a commercial flight. Posing as a legitimate in-flight internet, he harvested login credentials and confidential data from unsuspecting business travellers.

His arrest underscored how easily unsecured networks can be exploited in transit - a serious risk for traders who rely on mobile connectivity (Menagh, 2024).

For firms handling market-sensitive data, the message is clear: mobility must not come at the expense of security.

2.    Malware: A Quiet Saboteur of Supply Chains

Energy and commodities trading firms are prime targets for cybercriminals due to the high value of their real-time data and financial transactions (Pujiastuti, 2024).

Malware is often introduced through phishing emails, unsecured public networks, or counterfeit vendor sites, where it can silently infiltrate devices, steal credentials, or deploy ransomware.

Given the fast-paced nature of trading, where they frequently work from airports, or remote locations, mobile devices are especially vulnerable. Once compromised, attackers can access trade confirmations or proprietary pricing models, potentially manipulating markets or causing multimillion-dollar losses within minutes.

In 2024, German Brigadier General Frank Gräfe joined a confidential military call from his hotel room during the Singapore Airshow - likely using unsecured hotel Wi-Fi or a mobile network. Despite the call taking place over Germany’s secure Webex system, the weak connection was exploited.

The 38-minute conversation, involving top Luftwaffe officials and classified discussions about missile deployments, was intercepted and later leaked by Russian state media. The breach, attributed to Russian cyber-espionage, triggered diplomatic fallout and raised serious concerns over Germany’s cybersecurity practices.

While rooted in a military context, this incident highlights a universal risk: unsecured networks can expose sensitive information. For traders and business professionals working on the move, one careless connection could mean the loss of proprietary data or deal integrity. (Ong, 2024)

Introducing LGA 5G Secure MiFi: Built for Traders, Designed for Security

Meet LGA’s 5G Secure MiFi, the mobile connectivity solution that delivers enterprise-grade security with every connection.

Whether you’re closing an overseas deal or handling business from remote locations, our 5G Secure MiFi ensures your connection is encrypted, private, and protected anytime, anywhere.

Why not just use a regular hotspot? The difference is clear.

The below compares a typical mobile hotspot with LGA’s 5G Secure MiFi across key security and performance factors - from encryption and threat detection to access control and secure sharing.

As shown, standard hotspots lack basic security features like VPN protection, access controls, or phishing prevention - making them highly vulnerable in transit.

In contrast, our 5G Secure MiFi delivers more than security, it ensures reliable, enterprise-grade protection with every connection.

What Makes 5G Secure MiFi Essential for You?

1.    Integrated Secure Web Gateway

Anti-Virus Protection for High-Value Transactions

Commodities and energy traders rely on complex pricing algorithms, contract data, and proprietary trading platforms. Our 5G Secure MiFi’s built-in anti-virus continuously scans all incoming and outgoing traffic to detect and neutralize malware, preventing tampering with critical and confidential data that could cause costly disruptions or regulatory penalties.

URL Filtering: Block Threats Before They Enter the System

By blocking access to risky websites and enforcing browsing policies, our solution prevents phishing campaigns and fake vendor portals from compromising trader devices or software. This helps to avoid interruptions to trade contracts caused by malware or data breaches sourced from malicious sites.

Policy Management for Compliance and Control

Regulatory bodies require stringent controls over trading data and environmental reporting. Our 5G Secure MiFi enables administrators to create and enforce detailed connectivity policies, such as restricting device access during sensitive trading hours or blocking unauthorized data transfers, ensuring compliance with frameworks across mobile teams.

Reporting Tools for Audits and Oversight

Our solution also provides comprehensive reporting dashboards that track network usage, blocked cyber threats and user activity. These analytics empower compliance officers and security teams in firms like yours to conduct thorough audits, identify anomalies early, and document security measures, facilitating transparent oversight and regulator readiness.

2.    Integrated VPN Features

Data Encryption: The Backbone of Trading Confidentiality

Whether negotiating contracts or trading on the go, our 5G Secure MiFi encrypts all data in transit using strong protocols. This end-to-end encryption protects sensitive data and deal terms, even over public 4G/5G networks at terminals or remote locations.

Anonymity: Protect Pricing and Position Strategies

In commodities and energy trading, secrecy around pricing strategies and market positions is vital. Our 5G Secure MiFi hides your IP address and browsing activity from internet service providers, cybercriminals, and competitors. Its no-logs policy and private DNS routing shield your firm’s digital footprint, helping to preserve competitive advantages in highly sensitive markets.

How You Can Benefit with Our 5G Secure MiFi?

• Protecting High-Stakes Transactions: Avoid data breaches that could derail trades or leak sensitive positions.

• Enforcing Regulatory Compliance: Maintain airtight control over digital communications and access to sensitive platforms.

• Enabling Remote Operations Safely: Connect your field teams, logistics units, and traders securely even in remote or high-risk regions.

• Enhancing Operational Oversight: Use actionable reporting to monitor usage, enforce security, and reduce risk across your network.

Energy and commodities markets move fast and so should your security. With LGA’s 5G Secure MiFi, you get enterprise-grade security and flexible internet access wherever business takes you.

Every Connection Is a Potential Weak Link - Unless It's Secured

Contact us today to learn how you can protect your most valuable data before your next login!

References

Haan, K. (2023, February 9). The Risks Of Public Wi-Fi – Forbes Advisor. Www.forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/public-wifi-risks/

Menagh, J. (2024, June 28). Perth man Michael Clapsis allegedly behind 'evil twin' wi-fi networks set up to steal personal data. ABC News Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-28/evil-twin-wi-fi-network-alleged-creator-michael-clapsis-charged/104036322

Ong, S. (2024, March 11). What the leak of German general's conference call from S'pore hotel says about risks of public Wi-Fi networks. Today Online. https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/explainer-what-leak-german-generals-conference-call-spore-hotel-says-about-risks-public-wi-fi-networks-2378956

Pujiastut, R. (2024, June 6). The Downside of Digital Transformation for Utilities: Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks. Sustainalytics.https://www.sustainalytics.com/esg-research/resource/investors-esg-blog/the-downside-of-digital-transformation-for-utilities--data-privacy-and-cybersecurity-risks#:~:text=Cybersecurity%20has%20become%20a%20major,and%20the%20changing%20regulatory%20landscape.