Thread: Using a mobile as a modem

using the mobile as a modem is just as secure as using it as a phone but it will not protect your data from viruses
get a data deal with a phone company
wifi has nothing to do with the mobile network

Thanks

Should have been clearer

Is the phone's data allowance at risk from something like WiFi sniffers?

REgards
Max P

I wouldn't think so.

You can get a firewall for your phone if you desire.

Considering in most cases the sharing is done via a cable or bluetooth pairing i cant see how you would be at risk of someone "Borrowing" your connection. I set this up for users at work all the time, only real risk is the lack of any proper firewall although I've never tested how much connectivity you actually get from tethering and what ports are actually opened.

I have also seen apps that will allow you to share your connection from an iphone via wifi, these would be prone to someone steeling bandwidth, though the app i played with actually lets you setup WPA2 so it is fairly secure.

If you are using USB between phone and computer - no probs.

If you are using Bluetooth - you /could/ having someone get in there, but it is unlikely.

If you are using WiFi - you need to ensure you are using WPA2 with a good key or you will definitely have people snooping you.

It is possible for someone to sniff you phone data on the phone network - but it is much easier to do it once the data is at the phone carrier so that is where most do it. To sniff data from a mobile network between you and a cell tower requires money for hardware.

If you are concerned, use a VPN. The risk is greatest between your carrier and the site you are going to.

WRT the threats to your computer - the phone is usually acting purely as a modem (except when you sharing over WiFi), so the connections are terminating on your computers IP stack. This means that you will need to ensure you don't have any insecure services running on that interface (windows networking, etc) or you will definitely get owned. When I'm using my 3g card I regularly see connections attempts to lsass.exe via 135, 445 etc. If I wasn't patched, or didn't have a firewall I'd be wormed no question.