I know this is the wrong place, but I bet someone knows - Smartphone question ...

[RKP5637]

I leave wifi on for my smartphone all the time in the house, and it's connected to vpn, as a vpn app on the phone. When I leave the house is it really necessary to disable wifi on my smartphone. I've never seen a definitive answer. As the phone has vpn as an application, I don't see this as a problem. Am I wrong? I'm always wondering if it might connect into some rogue hacker network that does not ask for a password, and maybe my vpn app fails, which it does sometimes. Thanks!!!

[handmade34]

1. thanks for asking...

I wonder the same thing???

[RKP5637]

8. Here's an interestering article I just came across on this!

http://time.com/4258958/wi-fi-security/

“The Wi-Fi Pineapple is a tool that makes fake Wi-Fi hotspots that automatically match the name of whatever network devices have previously connected to,” says Ben Miller, a Wi-Fi consultant and blogger with Sniff Wi-Fi.

Miller says the Wi-Fi Pineapple connects to laptops, smartphones, and tablets two different ways. One way is by programming the device to send out a commonly used SSID (that’s the “service set identifier,” also known as a Wi-Fi network’s name) that’s identical to ones that are popularly used. So that “Marriot_Guest,” “hhonors” or “gogoinflight” network that your computer or mobile device detects may be a trap.

The other way Wi-Fi Pineapple locks onto devices is even more insidious, using your “trusted networks” against you. Computers and mobile devices all have trusted networks — they’re the legitimate Wi-Fi networks that your gear connects with every day, including your home network, your work wireless connection, and the one at your favorite Starbucks, for example.

Android and iOS devices are somewhat safer because they probe in different ways. But you should still be sure to shut off your Wi-Fi if you’re away from home or the office.

[PoliticAverse]

2. If for no other reason you should disable WiFi in your phone when you aren't using it...

because doing so conserves battery power.

[RKP5637]

5. Yep, good point!!! n/t

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. Anecdotal but once I leave home if I leave WiFi on

Battery drains faster.

[RKP5637]

4. Yep, I think it's in a constant search mode draining power. n/t

[ManiacJoe]

6. If you leave wifi on when you are out and about

1. The phone is constantly scanning for a wifi connection, which will drain your battery.

2. If it finds a connection, which does not need a password nor TOS acceptance, it may be the hacker's network you connect to.

[RKP5637]

7. Thanks!!! n/t