Concerns Over Smartphone Security: Risks of Always-On Wi-Fi and Side-Channel Attacks

Recent warnings from cybersecurity experts, including CERT-FR, highlight the risks associated with leaving Wi-Fi enabled on smartphones at all times. These vulnerabilities can be exploited through Evil Twin networks and man-in-the-middle attacks, potentially allowing hackers to intercept sensitive data and spread malware.

Recommendations include disabling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC when not in use, and avoiding automatic connections. Furthermore, a recent technical paper by researchers at Fraunhofer AISEC, BSI, and TU Munich examines electromagnetic side-channel attacks on smartphones, revealing that modern devices may be susceptible to such vulnerabilities.

The study underscores the need for secure elements in smartphones, especially as they increasingly handle sensitive tasks like payments and digital identification through initiatives like the European Digital Identity wallet.