Is Cellular Data Secure?

The internet can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world using either cellular data or a WiFi network. However, many people have concerns about cellular data and worry about the security of cellular data compared to WiFi. So, how secure are cellular networks?

Cellular networks are considered to be more secure than WiFi networks as all data is automatically encrypted. This means it’s much harder for hackers to intercept and read your private information. All cellular data is encrypted using cryptographic algorithms like AES and SNOW3G, ensuring data can only be accessed by the intended recipient using a unique key.

Keep reading to learn more about the security of cellular data and how cellular networks compare to private and public WiFi networks in terms of security.

Jump to section:

• Are Cellular Networks Secure​?
• Is Cellular Data More Secure Than Wifi​?
• Benefit From Secure Cellular Data With a Mobile Signal Booster
• Cellular Data Security FAQs

Are Cellular Networks Secure​?

Cellular networks are generally considered to be more secure than WiFi networks because they automatically encrypt data. All data transferred through 5G, 4G and LTE connections is encrypted, so it’s much harder for cyber criminals or hackers to intercept information as it travels between the mobile phone tower and your device.

Although no internet-connected system is entirely immune to infiltration, cellular networks are considerably less likely to be breached than WiFi networks due to strong cellular data encryption.

How is Cellular Data Encrypted?

Cellular data is encrypted using cryptographic algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and SNOW3G. These algorithms scramble the data so that it is unreadable and ensure it can only be accessed by authorised devices using a unique key. Mobile encryption helps to safeguard your data, text messages, pictures and videos.

Each mobile device has a unique encryption key (typically in a secure chip in the device’s hardware). This private key consists of 256 bits, making it highly secure. All data combined with a secure key can only be deciphered by the intended recipient. If this data is intercepted by an unauthorised user, it would take a huge amount of time to exhaust all the possible combinations.

Additionally, teams of white hat hackers are constantly searching for vulnerabilities in mobile networks. When found, these vulnerabilities are reported to the relevant telecommunications entities, like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), so mobile network security can be improved.

Is Cellular Data More Secure Than Wifi​?

Cellular networks are generally considered to be more secure than both public and private WiFi networks. However, private WiFi networks are considerably more secure than public WiFi networks.

Anyone can hack into a WiFi network provided they have the right tools and experience. Although cellular networks can also be vulnerable to attacks, it’s much more common for WiFi networks to be breached. This makes WiFI networks especially dangerous for businesses as they often have sensitive information about their staff, clients or customers, which could be used for malicious purposes.

Below, we’ll look at how secure private and public WiFi networks are in more detail.

How Secure Are Private WiFi Networks?

Private WiFi networks are commonly found in homes, offices, commercial buildings and workplaces. Information is transferred between devices using WiFi security authentication protocols, such as WEP, WPA, WPA2, or WPA3. These protocols are designed to encrypt wireless network data to make it more secure.

WEP networks are most vulnerable to data breaches, while WPA and WPA2 networks are more secure. WPA3 networks are the most secure, although they are not hacker-proof and are still more vulnerable than cellular networks.

How Secure Are Public WiFi Networks?

Public WiFi networks are commonly found in shopping centres, airports and cafes, but they are the least secure way to access the internet. Unlike cellular and private WiFi networks, public WiFi is not typically encrypted, meaning your data is at risk. It’s much easier for your sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and login details, to be stolen by cyber criminals. Using public WiFi can be especially risky for businesses as they typically have more sensitive data.

Benefit From Secure Cellular Data With a Mobile Signal Booster

Cellular networks are the most secure way to access the internet, especially for businesses. However, many businesses are unable to benefit from secure cellular data due to poor or unreliable signal strength inside their workplace. If your business is struggling with poor cellular connectivity, our signal boosters are a reliable and high-performance solution.

At NetCov, we only design and install high-quality Ofcom-approved signal boosting systems, so you can be sure your business will be fully compliant with UK legislation. We offer signal boosters for all the most popular UK networks and install signal-boosting solutions throughout the UK.

For more information on how NetCov can help your business make the most of secure cellular data, contact our team today or get started with a free initial consultation.