To access the
Internet
, there are two types of connections on mobile phones.
One is
WiFi
and the other is the data network (3G, 4G or 5G).
Can both be on at all times or
should one be turned off
?
Also, what
battery
consumption do they represent?
And what differences are there in
security?
Faced with this dilemma, many people leave
both connections activated permanently
.
The truth is that the cure is worse than the disease, especially in these times when many operators offer a monthly data volume with a wide margin.
While fixed WiFi connections usually have a provision for uploading and downloading unlimited megabytes, when using the 4G or 5G network you must try to take into account the consumption of mobile data so as not to extinguish the entire rate in a few crazy hours. and download.
Although it seems that the only drawback of keeping the WiFi function active is the
battery drain
, the reality is that there is another much more important one:
vulnerability
.
In addition, nowadays smartphones do not consume much energy to search for networks.
In public places, it is advisable to use data networks.
Photo EFE.
These free networks that one usually uses in airports, cafes, shopping centers, restaurants or hotels, provide free internet access and just a couple of clicks are enough to be online.
Another mistake is to think that these networks are more secure than connecting to
a data antenna,
along with thousands of other people's devices that are all around you, but that is not the case.
The phone, when linked to the public router, is
sharing information with the rest of the devices
.
The exchange of data with the antenna is minimal and it is very difficult for an attacker to know the name of the phone.
These antennas have
better data encryption
, so even when you are outside the country it is the ideal option, instead of looking for a fixed connection of dubious origin.
The dangers of public networks
The danger of WiFi.
Photo: Shutterstock
Additionally, many of these networks do not require a password, meaning your device could connect to a network without you knowing.
This does not have to be a problem, but it increases the chances of suffering an attack or being located by a cybercriminal.
The more network access points the cell phone stores,
the more traces and information
about the device are available to anyone.
In addition, when moving with the WiFi function activated, through triangulation, it is easier for someone to detect the position you are in.
The problem with connecting to wireless networks, especially in public spaces, is that it seems harmless, although it represents one of the major security gaps in the use of mobile devices.
Furthermore, outside the house, by keeping this function on, the terminal will be continuously searching for wireless networks and this is not convenient, since it leaves the door open to possible attacks.
To avoid falling into a trap, all devices allow you to disable this tool and have customizable options, such as asking before connecting to a new or unknown network.
However, keep in mind that this will not be enough, since it is also necessary to delete wireless networks that are saved in the phone's memory, no matter how secure they may be.
SL