You can access the internet from anywhere now, not only at home but also at the local coffee shop, and also on the train. However, before browsing the internet, purchasing items online, or sharing personal details on social media, make sure that you learn about cellular network security.
Most of us never think about the safety and security of the network we connect to. Many people love using WiFi over cellular since WiFi offers higher speeds. But some others enjoy browsing the internet through cellular networks. What makes two connectivity types different?
How Secure Is Cellular Network and WiFi Network?
There are different ways to access the internet, some of them are through cellular networks, public WiFi networks, and private WiFi networks. Which one of those three options is the safest? Here are some details about the three types of connectivity and their security.
1. Cellular networks
LTE, 5G, and 4G networks are going to connect your mobile device to the internet. The connection happens through the mobile network provider instead of the internet service provider. If you are in the geographical coverage of the mobile carrier, you can connect to the internet anywhere.
You can trust cellular network security since data that is transferred through 4G, 5G, and also LTE connections are all encrypted. The encryption is going to protect and authenticate your identity. This means you can browse the internet securely using a cellular network.
2. Public WiFi networks
What is the security level of public WiFi network? You can find public networks in many public places like shopping centers, airports, and coffee shops. Those public networks usually don’t require any password so you can access the network easily and for free.
These public networks are convenient and also free but you need to keep in mind that public networks are the riskiest method to enjoy the internet. Many data that are being transferred through public networks won’t be encrypted. This means anyone around you can intercept the information.
How dangerous is it? Those who can intercept information from your mobile phone through public networks can get access to social media accounts, bank accounts, credit card numbers, and more.
3. Private WiFi networks
Private network security and cellular network security are different. Usually, private networks are found in offices and homes and those networks facilitate data transfer through the internet service provider. Private networks are going to use WPA3, WPA2, WPA, or WEP to transfer information.
This means private networks can offer secure information transfer between devices. Those protocols are security authentication protocols that are going to encrypt wireless network data. Is cellular more secure than WiFi? Private networks that use WEP are more vulnerable to data breaches.
WiFi routers that use WPA2 or WPA are more secure than the ones using WEP. But cybercriminals can still break the security wall within a few hours or even minutes. WPA3 is designed to be more secure than the previous generations.
Device To Breach Cellular Network Security
Note that anyone who has the right knowledge and tools can hack into the network. This is totally dangerous, especially if you run a business. Hackers can steal sensitive data from your device if you connect it randomly to any public network.
Since cybercriminals know the right way to get the data through a private network, your mobile data is not totally secure. But actually, lack of security is a good thing, in the eye of the authorities. Some people, like terrorists and criminals, use their mobile phones to share details about their plans.
The authorities can use a MITM attack or man-in-the-middle attack to see the protest or terror plan so they can prevent it from happening. The police don’t have to be a hacker and learn how to breach the security of a cellular network. They only have to use a specific tool.
Hitech Interceptor to Intercept Mobile Networks
Is the cellular network secure? Not really, since Hitech Interceptor can attack its encryption and let its user see text messages and intercept calls from and to a mobile phone. However, the authorities are using this device for good, to prevent dangerous actions.
The cellular network security level is not so high when it faces Hitech Interceptor. If you’re a member of the authorities, make sure that you get the original device from SMS Broadcaster.