How Secure are Mobile Hotspots? Problems & Solutions

By Mfidie Last updated Oct 26, 2020

The convenience in setting up your mobile hotspot wherever you go is unmatchable, but it comes with some security concerns.

Using the internet in public always comes with a risk. Similar is the case with mobile hotspots because you never know when you may encounter a hacker who can use your mobile hotspot without your permission.

It is easy to hack into anyone’s mobile hotspot and if they exceed the data limit, you’re the one who’s going to pay for it. Heck, even a rookie hacker can hack your phone by just using your mobile hotspot.

So, in this guide, we’ll be discussing some of the problems that come with using mobile hotspots and how to make it completely secure.

How to Secure your Mobile Hotspots

Have a look at some of the tips to secure your mobile hotspots so you never have to face any security breach:

1. Always Use a VPN

Another piece of advice that is so important for any mobile user is to always connect your device to a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

This is basically an online privacy tool that keeps your online traffic encrypted so that no hacker can intercept your data.

It also hides your original IP address and assigns you with a new IP address that is generally been used by other VPN users to prevent your device from hacking.

Currently, there are so many VPN brands to choose from and every other VPN claims to provide strong encryption and doesn’t store data logs.

Well, that’s not entirely true because when you start digging into their privacy policy, you’ll always find such a clause that tells you that if it’s against national interest of a country, they might be compelled to share users’ data to authorities.

After testing over 200+ VPNs, ExpressVPN is the best VPN to have fast speed, strong encryption, and doesn’t store any kind of logs.

At one time, it was compelled to share users’ data through its servers but the authorities didn’t find anything because ExpressVPN is truly a no-log VPN. The full analysis of it’s full-proof logs policy is mentioned in this extensive ExpressVPN review.

2. Change Hotspot’s SSID

Your mobile assigns your network a default name which is generally the name of the mobile which is also referred to as SSID (Service Set Identifier).

If you do not change these names, it becomes easier for hackers to know what device you are using and what their vulnerabilities are. If they know that, they can exploit its weaknesses to their benefit.

Changing the SSID name will not give away the original name of the device. Hackers will have a difficult time in finding out which device you are using and how to effectively hack that device.

Once you have changed the SSID, make sure you test it out at your home before you use it in a public setting.

3. Creating a Strong Password

For improved data security, make sure to set a strong password for your network. A password which is unique, long, contains special characters, and the one that you change frequently, is the most secure password.

At the same time, make sure you select WPA2 hotspot security. There are other options like WEP and WPA, but they aren’t as strong as WPA2.

4. Never Give Out your Network Password

It is possible that your friends may ask your mobile hotspot password to borrow some of your bandwidth. They might lend to someone else and it could end up in compromising your mobile security.

Not just security, but some of these friends may end up streaming all the seasons of GOT or Breaking Bad and you’ll be the one paying the bills.

Therefore, make sure you don’t share hotspot passwords with your friends. But even if you do, make sure to change it once in a while.

Key Takeaways

Mobile Hotspots are only secure when you’re in the house and the signals aren’t reaching outside of your house.

However, when you are in the public setting you need to be more careful with your mobile hotspots because a skilled hacker can easily hack your device and steal your important information.

The best way to keep your mobile hotspots secure from hackers is to get yourself a VPN and keep it turned ON whenever you’re in the public setting.

There are other ways to keep your mobile hotspot protected which I have discussed in this guide.