Without a reliable Wifi connection, your iPhone’s functionality plummets. But it’s equally important to know which Wifi settings you should have disabled at times so that your phone is as secure as possible. Tech experts recommend specific ways you can ensure your phone’s data is as safe as possible — and many times they start with turning off specific Wifi settings. This is the Wifi setting you should always have turned off.
File Sharing
This tip is crucial for when you are relying on a public Wifi network: always disable file sharing and printing, according to Tech Expert Dave Chester, owner of Custom Controls. “This will help you prevent data compromise and keep your device safe,” Chester says. “If you’re using public WiFi, keep your computer/phone concealed from other devices. Another Wi-Fi-related tip for mobile phone users is to disable the automated scanning of WiFi signals. Always manually activate and stop WiFi as needed. It will conserve your phone’s battery since if you leave this option for automatic searching enabled, your device will constantly seek for WiFi in the background. That final step is one that all IT professionals continue to endorse. If you’re out and about, turning off your WiFi may help preserve your privacy significantly.”
Why It’s Important To Turn Off Your Wifi
That last tip — turn off your Wifi — is one you’ll hear frequently from tech and security experts, and for good reason.
“There are many ways that hackers can access your information and device if you have WiFi turned on,” says Jared Floyd, founder at Ajax Creative. “They can use a variety of techniques, such as installing malware or accessing an unprotected network. One of the biggest risks is that a hacker may be able to see what websites you visit, what apps you use, and what personal data you enter.”
It is important to always have your WiFi setting off when you are not using it, Floyd stresses. “You should also never have it on in public places, such as coffee shops or airports,” Floyd says. “The reason for this is because having your WiFi setting on can put you at risk for data theft and hacking. It can also be a security risk if you are using a public network that has been compromised by someone else.”
A lot of people have the WiFi setting on their phone turned on without realizing the risks, Floys says — so that when you are not connected to a WiFi network, your phone will still be broadcasting information about you and your location. “This means that anyone within range can see where you are and what you are doing,” Floyd says. “The best thing to do is turn off the WiFi setting on your phone so that it doesn’t broadcast any information about you or your location. The reason for this is because it can allow your information to be hacked and shared with others. Some people may think that they are safe if they have a password on their WiFi, but this is not always the case. There are many ways that hackers can get into your WiFi even if you have a password, and they would not need to hack into your WiFi if you turn it off in the first place.”
Don’t just run your Wifi without checks and balances. Knowing which settings to turn off and when it’s crucial to turn them off is an important way to keep your data as safe and secure as possible.
