Having an Internet connection today is essential. We have a wide range of possibilities in this regard. Many options that allow us to navigate. Now, when it comes to mobility, using mobile devices, we can make use of mobile networks and Wi-Fi . However, there are differences in terms of safety. In this article we are going to talk about it. We are going to show the most important points of each option.
Maintain security and privacy on mobile devices
Mobile phones have become a fundamental tool for browsing the Internet . It offers us many options for our day to day, such as using messaging applications, social networks, information search … We can practically say that today we can do the same as with a desktop computer.
But in many cases, security and privacy are not always present in these devices. We can make use of tools that expose our information and can even damage the proper functioning of the equipment.
The fact that we use the mobile for almost everything makes maintaining security and privacy essential. We make purchases, we log into all kinds of services and platforms, we use them to communicate … All this means that when we connect to the network we must make sure that there are no risks.
Why mobile data is more secure than Wi-Fi
In this sense, to try to maintain security when browsing with mobile devices, it must be taken into account that there are differences between mobile data and Wi-Fi. Security is not the same, as well as the problems we can have.
Number of devices
On the one hand we can mention the difference in terms of the number of devices. To a Wi-Fi network there can be dozens of computers connected at the same time and we cannot know if all of them are secure. It is especially a problem when we are browsing from a public network or that we do not control.
However, this changes with respect to mobile networks. In this case, our phone connects directly to the operator’s network. It’s a more secure connection in that sense.
Insecure ciphers
Without a doubt, this is one of the most important causes that Wi-Fi networks are more insecure than mobile ones. Not all encryption will properly protect a network. In the same way that not all networks are really going to be protected.
It is common to find an open Wi-Fi network . This happens when we are away, for example in a shopping center or airport. These networks can be dangerous and affect our equipment.
But in addition to those open networks we can also find others that have insecure encryption. We are talking about those outdated ciphers like WEP, for example. If we connect to these networks we can have problems. It is an important difference compared to mobile networks, which are more secure in this sense.
Public nets used as bait
Following the thread we mentioned a bit, public Wi-Fi networks can be used as bait. Hackers can create fake profiles, which even imitate being from a legitimate store. The problem is that they can collect information from our browsing and infect computers.
In many cases, users tend to connect to whatever network they find. Especially if we are traveling, if mobile data has been exhausted, and we need to navigate.
Mobile networks are once again a more secure option. No matter where we are, security will be the same.
More control over privacy
Mobile networks also offer more privacy . It is much more complicated that there are security holes that are exploited by third parties to obtain information.
A Wi-Fi network can be attacked, there may be intruders who act as malicious intermediaries to collect all that data.
Not everything is perfect on mobile networks
It should be mentioned that not everything is perfect on mobile networks. It is true that they are a more interesting solution when we want to maximize privacy and avoid problems, but they are not free from errors, security flaws that can also be exploited.
We have seen cases where 3G, 4G and even 5G technologies have had vulnerabilities . There are flaws that would allow tracking calls, obtaining user information, location … However, all this is much more remote and is not widespread at all. Besides that it is more complicated to carry out.
