A new cybersecurity report is challenging common safety beliefs, stating that even cautious smartphone owners remain vulnerable. The French government’s digital security team, CERT-FR, warns that constant Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use creates a significant, often overlooked, entry point for attackers. The authority’s latest analysis , reviewing threats since 2025, identifies public networks as especially dangerous. Hackers can deploy “man-in-the-middle” attacks on these connections to intercept private data like passwords and bank details without a user’s knowledge. A tactic called the “ Evil Twin ” attack adds to the risk. Criminals create convincing copies of legitimate hotspot names. Once a user connects to this fake network, their device can be infected with harmful software, potentially leading to a total lockdown. Connecting through older network technology, such as 2G, also increases your exposure. These outdated systems contain well-known security weaknesses that are simpler for ...
A new cybersecurity report is challenging common safety beliefs, stating that even cautious smartphone owners remain vulnerable. The French government’s digital security team, CERT-FR, warns that constant Wi-Fi and Bluetooth use creates a significant, often overlooked, entry point for attackers.
The authority’s latest analysis, reviewing threats since 2025, identifies public networks as especially dangerous. Hackers can deploy “man-in-the-middle” attacks on these connections to intercept private data like passwords and bank details without a user’s knowledge.
A tactic called the “Evil Twin” attack adds to the risk. Criminals create convincing copies of legitimate hotspot names. Once a user connects to this fake network, their device can be infected with harmful software, potentially leading to a total lockdown.
Connecting through older network technology, such as 2G, also increases your exposure. These outdated systems contain well-known security weaknesses that are simpler for criminals to break into compared to modern 4G or 5G services.
For maximum protection, the recommended action is straightforward: disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they are not in active use. Always turn off settings that let your phone connect to networks automatically and be highly selective about any public Wi-Fi you use.
Additional steps include switching off NFC, recognizable by the “N” icon, when you’re not making a payment. Using airplane mode is a full shield but comes with the major downside of blocking all communication.
As a final safeguard, installing a trustworthy security app on your phone can help detect threats. While being proactive with your wireless settings is the best defense, this adds an essential layer of protection for those occasional mistakes.
Source:
Via: PC World
This article, Cybersecurity experts urge smartphone users to switch off WiFi when not in use, was originally published at NoypiGeeks | Philippines Technology News, Reviews and How to's.
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