Technological advances and the increasing reliance of millions of people on mobile devices in their daily lives can also expose them to new cyber security risks. In fact, seemingly innocuous practices like turning on your mobile phone's Wi-Fi when you leave the house can significantly increase your vulnerability to phishing and hacking attacks.
This is because devices with this feature are always active more prone to external attacksEven cybercriminals can use this opportunity to compromise the privacy and security of personal information.
Leaving your cell phone's Wi-Fi on when you're out of the house increases your risk of becoming a target for phishing and hacking attacks for several reasons.
- Automatic connections to open networks. Mobile devices are usually configured to automatically connect to known Wi-Fi networks. However, cybercriminals can create fake WiFi networks with the names of legitimate public networks. Once connected to these malicious networks, the user is at risk of having their data traffic intercepted, which makes it easier for personal information and passwords to be stolen.
- Network vulnerabilities. If a device connects to an unsecured public network, cybercriminals can use vulnerabilities in the network to launch man-in-the-middle attacks, where they intercept and manipulate communications between the user and the server, allowing: theft of transmitted data such as login credentials and other sensitive information.
- Impact of malware. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks or networks controlled by cybercriminals can be used to spread malware. This malicious software can be installed on the device without the user's knowledge, which can lead to data theft, spying or even loss of control over the device.
Phishing is a deception technique used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information (such as passwords, credit card information, and other personal information) from victims. Usually, this It is obtained through messages or emails. by sending letters that appear to be from reliable sources, but are actually attempts to steal information.
Hacking, on the other hand, refers to unauthorized access to devices or computer networks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the devices' software or hardware to install malware, steal personal information, or even take complete control of the affected device.
To minimize the risks associated with using Wi-Fi outside the home, the following precautions are recommended:
- Turn off automatic connection. It is recommended to disable the function that allows you to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks. This reduces the risk of inadvertently joining malicious networks.
- Use secure networks. Whenever possible, you should choose to use Wi-Fi networks that require password authentication and are managed by trusted organizations.
- VPN: Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help encrypt your device's data traffic, protecting it from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks.
- Security updates. Keeping your device's operating system and apps up-to-date is very important, as these updates often include security patches for known vulnerabilities.
- Education and awareness. Being aware of phishing tactics and how to recognize scams can help you avoid falling into traps and provide an extra layer of security.
It is important to note that although the use of mobile devices and Wi-Fi networks is an integral part of our daily lives, you should be aware of the security risks involved and take proactive measures to protect personal information from threats such as phishing and hacking.
Disabling this mobile phone feature when you leave home a small change in habit that can have a significant impact in cyber security.