A new report warns that keeping your phone’s Wi-Fi switched on all the time could put you at risk. According to French cybersecurity authority CERT-FR, attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in modern smartphones even if you’re careful about apps and phishing links.
Public Wi-Fi is the biggest danger. Hackers can run “man-in-the-middle” attacks, slipping between your device and the hotspot to intercept data. There’s also the “Evil Twin” trick, where fake Wi-Fi networks look legit but actually spread malware once you connect.
Outdated mobile networks like 2G add to the problem, since they’re easier to crack than newer ones like 4G or 5G.
The advice is simple: turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you don’t need them, especially when traveling. Avoid connecting to networks you don’t recognize, and disable automatic connections so your phone doesn’t latch onto random hotspots.
NFC, the feature used for tap-to-pay, should also stay off unless you’re actively using it. Airplane mode is the safest option, though it blocks calls and data.
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An antivirus app can help as a backup, but the main takeaway is clear: don’t leave Wi-Fi on all the time. Treat wireless connections with caution and only enable them when necessary.
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