How to keep your mobile hotspot secured

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When it comes to Wi-Fi on-the-go, there’s nothing more convenient than a mobile hotspot. While it allows you to quickly establish a network connection - especially if you urgently need to connect to a work device, there are unfortunately also risks of interception.

So, how exactly do you keep your mobile hotspot secure? Here at Circles.Life we’ve done the research and have some tips to ensure your phone stays virus-free.

What are the benefits and risks of a mobile hotspot?

Here are some of the benefits and risks of a mobile hotspot:

 

Benefits
Convenient - you can mobile hotspot anywhere and it’s great for emergencies.

Portability - Mobile hotspots are lightweight if you’re using a router, and if you’re using your phone’s own mobile hotspot it’s convenient to bring with you on the go.

Shareable - You can easily share your mobile hotspot with others.

Risks

Data usage - When you’re using a mobile hotspot, you’re using your own phone’s data. If you have insufficient data, you run the risk of exceeding charges.

Security - Mobile hotspots aren’t as secure

How do I use my phone’s mobile hotspot?

There are two main types of mobile hotspots - a portable router along with your phone. One of the most popular ways to get Wi-Fi, however, is to turn your smartphone into a personal hotspot.

Here’s how you’d go about doing so:

For an iOS device
For iOS devices, mobile hotposts are also known as personal hotspots. To activate it, all you’ve got to do is head to Settings followed by Personal Hotspot and tap ‘Allow Others to Join’. Then, simply set a password and you’re good to go.

For an Android
To connect a mobile hotspot for your Android head to Settings followed by Wireless & Networks, Tethering & Portable Hotspot, then Portable Wi-Fi hotspot and toggle on Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot after you’ve set a password.

How to boost mobile hotspot security

Here are some ways to boost your mobile hotspot security and prevent attackers from trying to steal your personal information:

 

1. Set a strong password

This might seem like a no-brainer but it’s imperative that you set a strong password and change it frequently. Ideally, you’d want your password to be both lengthy and unique and consist of both uppercase and lowercase letters along with numbers and symbols.

If you’re someone that shares your password regularly, make sure that you’re changing up your password frequently as well. The easiest way to generate a password is by using a password generator.

2. Change your hotspot network name

Whenever you can, try to also change up the name of your mobile hotspot - also known as SSID. By doing so, you’ll be able to protect your phone in the event that an attacker cracks a database that consists of usernames and passwords that have been pre-generated.

3. Use strong encryption

While your mobile hotspot should already have some form of encryption, the strength of the encryption can vary depending on the encryption standard - for example, WEP encryptions are far less secure than WPA2 encryptions. It’s important that you ensure that your encryption type is always set to WPA2.

4. Consider using a VPN

It’s best to consider using a VPN on your device. A VPN will not only keep your online traffic private and secure, but it’s also easy to connect. While some VPNs will cost you, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

5. Update your phone’s antivirus software

It’s important that you make sure your phone’s antivirus software frequently (or rather, updates in general). If you don’t update your phone regularly, you run the risk of attackers finding your phone’s weakness and jeopardising its overall security.

6. Avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments

If you’ve received an email or a message that has a link on it, avoid clicking it - especially if it’s from someone that you don’t know. Malicious links and attachments can contain malware which has the potential to infect your device and put data at risk.

7. Turn off your hotspot if you’re not using it

If you’re not using your hotspot, make sure that you’re turning it off. This will not only prevent individuals from trying to access your network, but it’ll also help you to save battery life.

If you’re worried that you’ll forget turning off your mobile hotspot, you can consider enabling a timer that will automatically turn off your mobile hotspot after a speculated period of time.

Getting started with a mobile hotspot

While it’s important to take advantage of both the convenience and flexibility of using a mobile hotspot, you’ll also need to be careful. Make sure that you’re following the tips above to ensure that you’re keeping your data and information protected.

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^^Offer ends 01/04/2024 at 15:00 AEDT. T&Cs apply.

**Additional IDD Allowance means an additional 3,000 minutes of International Direct Dial (IDD) voice minutes (in total) per billing month for calls from Australia to the following countries: Bangladesh, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, USA and Vietnam. T&Cs apply.

***Purchase our $45/month or $55/month plan receive a $50 Prezzee voucher after your fourth full month with us on the same plan, redeemable at prezzee.com.au. Offer ends 01/04/2024. On eligible plans only. Not redeemable for cash. T&Cs apply.

^Roll over your unused base data monthly and build up to a massive 500GB. Data will not expire while plan remains the same, but may be lost if plan is upgraded or downgraded. On selected plans only. T&Cs apply.

Circles.Life

2022-10-19

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Published 2022-10-19

Written by Circles.Life

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Acknowledgement of Country | Circles.Life acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this land where we work and live. We celebrate stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.

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