Phishing and Hacking Why it's dangerous to leave your cell phone's Wi-Fi on when you leave the house

Technological advances and the increasing reliance on mobile devices in the daily lives of millions of people can also expose them to new cybersecurity risks. In fact, a seemingly harmless practice, such as leaving your cell phone's Wi-Fi turned on when you leave the house, can significantly increase your vulnerability to phishing and hacking attacks.

This is because devices with this function are active all the time More vulnerable to external attacksEven cybercriminals can exploit this opportunity to compromise the privacy and security of personal information.

Leaving your cell phone's Wi-Fi network active when you leave the house increases your risk of phishing and hacking attacks for several reasons:

• Automatic connections for open networks: Mobile devices are generally configured to automatically connect to known Wi-Fi networks. However, cybercriminals can create fake WiFi networks with names similar to legitimate public networks. Once connected to these malicious networks, the user runs the risk of their data traffic being intercepted, making it easier for personal information and passwords to be stolen.
• Network vulnerabilities: If the device is connected to an unsecured public network, cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in the network to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks, where they intercept and manipulate the connection between the user and the server with the person being called, thus allowing the theft of transmitted data, such as access credentials, etc. of sensitive information.
• Exposure to malware: Unsecured Wi-Fi networks or those controlled by cybercriminals can be used to distribute malware. This malware can be installed on the device without the user's knowledge, which can lead to data theft, spying, or even loss of control of the device.

Phishing is a deception technique used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive information (such as passwords, credit card details, and other personal information) from victims. Usually, this This is achieved by sending letters or emails Which appear to be from reliable sources, but are actually attempts to steal information.

On the other hand, hacking refers to Unauthorized access to computers or networks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in a device's software or hardware to install malware, steal personal information, or even take complete control of the affected device.

To reduce the risks associated with using Wi-Fi outside the home, it is suggested that you take the following precautionary measures:

• Disable automatic connection: It is recommended to disable the function that allows automatic connection to Wi-Fi networks. This reduces the risk of unintentional connection to malicious networks.
• Use secure networks: Whenever possible, you should choose to use Wi-Fi networks that require password authentication and are managed by trusted entities.
• VPN: Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help encrypt a device's traffic, protecting it from interception and man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Security updates: Keeping your device's operating system and apps up to date is crucial, as these updates often include security patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Education and awareness: Learning about phishing tactics and how to recognize scam attempts 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 associated with it And take proactive measures to protect personal information from threats such as phishing and hacking.

This cell phone function is deactivated when you leave home A simple habit change can have a big impact In cybersecurity.