GoKawiilJack Wallen/ZDNET
ZDNET key takeaways
There are networks out there you should not connect to.
You could even mistakenly connect to a fake cell tower.
Android 17 has a feature that alerts you, so you can stay safe.
When you're on the go, there may be times when you absolutely have to connect to a network. Maybe you're in a location where cellular speeds are too slow to transfer a file, or maybe you're simply concerned about something gobbling up too much of your data plan.
Regardless of the why, the important thing here is this: What network are you connecting to?
Are you connecting to a network at your favorite coffee shop (the one that isn't protected by a password)? Maybe you're shopping, and the store you're currently perusing has a Wi-Fi network. Your gym? A hotel? The list of networks you should not randomly connect to goes on and on.
Also: How to turn on Android's Private DNS mode - and why you should ASAP
But what if you're not sure about the security level of a network? Do you just automatically default to "I won't connect to that network"? That's the safest bet, but not always the most practical.
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