Is mobile broadband secure? There’s no need to stress about your data security if you’re using a 5G mobile router. Not only do modern mobile routers include up-to-date features designed to encrypt and protect your private information, they’re also much safer than alternatives such as public WiFi networks.
Is mobile broadband secure?
In short - yes. Mobile broadband routers include the same safety features as traditional wired broadband, and are safer than accessing a public network or sharing a data hotspot. Whether you’re using them as a home WiFi network or bringing your router on the go, your data is protected from malicious actors.
How 5G mobile broadband routers protect your data
High-end 5G mobile broadband routers use a range of technologies to protect your personal data, including:
Authentication
5G networks use an authentication protocol called 5G Authentication and Key Agreement (5G AKA) that uses randomly generated challenge values to verify the identity of users, devices and networks. This protects you from network spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks, where a third party intercepts and manipulates your network communications.
Encryption
When you use a 5G network, the traffic between your router and the mast is encrypted using 128-bit algorithms defined by 3GPP, the body that sets mobile standards. Stronger 256-bit versions of those algorithms have already been specified for future networks. Either way, your data is far harder to intercept than it would be on an open network.
Latency
5G connections are low latency, allowing security software to quickly identify and respond to potential threats.
What are the risks of using public WiFi?
Public WiFi networks are notoriously vulnerable to attacks from malicious actors. Hackers can use a public network to access your personal information and harm your device in a number of ways, including:
Man-in-the-middle attacks, where a third party intercepts your data as it travels to the server, accessing or even changing the information you send
Distributing malware across the network and installing harmful software on your device remotely
Accessing unencrypted data as it’s broadcast across the shared network
Setting up fake hotspots and public networks to gain control of your device and see everything you’re doing online
The National Cyber Security Centre publishes practical guidance on staying secure online, including the risks of shared networks. Better still, avoid these risks entirely by skipping the public WiFi network on the train or in your hotel in favour of your own personal, portable 5G mobile broadband router.
Easy ways to make sure your mobile broadband is secure
If you want to get the most out of the security of your home 5G mobile broadband network, make sure you do these things when you’re setting up and using your router.
Change the default admin credentials…
Don’t leave your admin username set to admin - or your password set to password! Change your network credentials to a strong, unique username and password and then keep these secure.
… and the default network name
For extra security, change the default network name to something personal. If your WiFi network is called ‘Vodafone 710’, it tells potential hackers the exact model of router you’re using, giving them extra information about how to potentially access your network.
Choose a router with up-to-date encryption
The most up-to-date protocol for WiFi encryption is WPA3, so look for WPA3 compatible devices when choosing your router.
Keep your firmware up to date
Router manufacturers will sometimes roll out firmware updates to improve device performance and fix any vulnerabilities that have been exposed since the device was released. Be sure to accept and install these updates when they become available to make sure you’re always using the most recent software version available.
Want a secure, private connection wherever you are? See Connectivity’s 5G mobile broadband plans.
