Although WiFi is necessary at home or in trusted places, Keeping it active on your cell phone while in public can pose significant risks.. This seemingly harmless feature increases exposure to unsecured networks and puts personal data security and device performance at risk.
When WiFi is turned on, smartphones automatically search for available networks, increasing their number Risk of connecting to vulnerable public networksCommon in cafes, airports and transportation stations.
Cybercriminals can take advantage of these networks to access personal or financial information stored on devices.exposing users to potential online scams.
Better to be safe: When leaving home, it is recommended to deactivate WiFi
Moreover, this constant search for networks It consumes battery unnecessarilyWhich affects the autonomy of the device. A simple action like turning off WiFi when you leave home not only protects data but also improves cell phone performance and extends battery life.
In a world where connectivity is key, taking basic cybersecurity measures, such as avoiding automatic connections to unknown networks, can make a big difference in protecting devices and personal information. Cybersecurity is an aspect that must be taken into consideration.
The dangers of not disabling Wi-Fi
According to Mark ZuckerbergMobile phones will be replaced in the future. But in the meantime, it is recommended not to use WiFi when we are on the street or in public places for the following reasons.
- A door to steal sensitive information.
Although many open WiFi networks are legitimate, cybercriminals can use others as tools to intercept users’ private data. These types of attacks are known as “The man in the middle”,Pirates are allowed Intercepting important information such as passwords, banking details or emails It is sent through these communications.
The danger does not end there. The captured data can be used for malicious purposes, including installing malware (malicious software) on connected devices. This emphasizes the importance of avoiding using unsecured public networks.
Keeping the WiFi function constantly activated may affect the battery performance of mobile devices. Although the power consumption it generates is not excessively high, Smartphones use resources to constantly search for available networks.
Studies indicate that this activity It can account for 10% to 15% of the total daily battery consumption. In contexts where access to a charging source is limited, such as long trips or intense days, every percentage of battery becomes crucial.
Cell phone battery gets damaged due to using WiFi network
- Impact on cell phone performance.
Keeping WiFi constantly on can negatively impact the overall performance of mobile devices. The chip responsible for managing wireless communications works continuouslyeven when there is no network connected. This activity consumes internal resources that could be used for tasks such as launching applications or improving the browsing experience.
In addition, constantly scanning for available networks can cause interference with mobile phone or GPS signals, affecting the quality of your Internet connection and the accuracy of location services.
- Privacy and tracking risks.
When a device searches for nearby WiFi networks, it emits signals that can be used to track its location. Although many public networks do not have malicious intent, some collect information from devices that connect or attempt to connect, creating a record of their movements.
For example, when connecting to the network in a café or park, It’s possible that you’re sharing your location without even realizing it. This type of tracking can be exploited for commercial purposes, or in more troubling cases, by malicious actors.
How to disable Wi-Fi on a cell phone
On Android mobile phones, all you have to do is go to Settings, and in Connections, deactivate WiFi.
If it’s an iPhone, you should go to Settings, deactivate the box that says WiFi, in fact.
Either way, the process is simple. However, you can create a shortcut to do this more quickly.