Traditional Research Paper on Implications (Suggestions) and Risks of WIFI Calling on mobile devices.

The mobile device users quite often experience network connection failures. The instability of networks either provided an opportunity for innovations or called for an alternative to connections. This need prompted it network innovators and mobile device enthusiasts to invent and offer Wi-Fi calling, which has strong networks that do not fail the users. It is a feature that is available to be enabled by the user of the mobile device and it comes with risks. Smartphones and tablets are like companions to the users. A large number of people nowadays rely so much on these devices and has become part of their lives. Hence hackers are using this opportunity and are looking for every possible way that is available to break into the mobile devices. It is up to the user of the iPhones and Android devices to make to understand the risks involved in the ways they use their mobile devices.

Mobile users, especially those who use Wi-Fi in making calls tend to believe that configuration changes that are made immediately they purchase their mobile devices are enough to secure their gadgets. Consumers assume that they are already using secure platforms once they start using wi-fi to make calls. The bottom line is that consumers have little knowledge on the safety of wi-fi networks (Achara, Cunche, Roca, & Francillon, 2014). Unfortunately, they end up becoming culprits of tapping and hacking once they are using networks with threatening persons. The hackers are always cunning as they can get access to a nearby mobile device in a matter of seconds with the use of expert computer skills. They are cunning to the extent that they can mirror the mobile device and record everything in the device and then install a malware to enable them get information in it. The risk of Wi-Fi calling fall under the physical access of the mobile devices because they are small in size and can be carried easily. More so, criminals understand that there is a largely unsuspecting audience using wi-fi calling services to make phone conversations including confidential conversations. There are no appropriate protocols to prevent the public from falling victims of wi-fi calling information theft. The worst part of this problem is not of the devices and the unsecured nature of the wi-fi systems, but lack of consumer knowledge to avoiding risky situations. Also, consumers are motivated by the cost. That is why they are likely to use wi-fi to make phone calls oblivious of the security danger.

Regarding technicalities, there is also a malicious code where mobile devices malware are engineered socially to tricky users to accept the contents the hacker wants to sell and thus the user falls into the tricks of the hacker. Android devices are the most targeted because many people use them and software can be easily installed in these devices. Trojans are mobile malware designed with aids to steal data, and it works over any network connected with the Wi-Fi and other mobile network devices, (Boulos, Wheeler, Tavares, & Jones, 2011). They usually come inform of text messages and once the mobile device user clicks on a link in the message, it is then delivered to an application by the Trojan and it is easily passed to other mobile devices and when the information is transmitted over to other networks, it presents an information gap which is very difficult to overlook in a corporate world. Such a system of receiving messages presumed to come from a reliable source is phishing. Phishing is also propagated because the network is available. Without a network, such fake communication will not occur (Arbaugh, 2003). Elsewhere, the Arbaugh notes that even though the inventions of wi-fi has direct economic benefits to the consumers and users in general, the public should remember that the only way to remain secure is to have no networks. This is undisputedly true. Network systems are inventions to improve productivity, but their security concerns should not be overlooked.

Device attacks on mobiles are designed typically in gaining control of the device and can access data. Phone call tapping from old technologies is not news to the public. This same public should understand that technology makes it easier to tap phone calls and not only to secure their calls. Smartphones which are wifi enabled are open to attacks that also affect other network mobile devices that use the Wi-Fi. However, the attacks are executed only with a chance of opportunity. The hackers use technology which is available readily in the wireless networks and thus making it easy for Wi-Fi hacking. Insider threats are also the problems of network systems. Download applications from app stores without any knowledge as to who developed such application and whether it has a threat to the network corporate is something that consumers have not thought about, (Achara, Cunche, Roca, & Francillon, 2014).

This research aims at documenting important information regarding the threat and safety of wi-fi technology calls. The research also recognizes that the danger of wi-fi technology and making calls using has not been scientifically evaluated. Little to no quantitative data is available to support the threats on wi-fi usage to make calls. However, internet security experts have undisputedly indicated that the best way to stay safe and secure is to have no network. This suggests that information for the danger of wi-fi and other networks have not influenced consumer behaviors. Consumers have little to slow response to changing behaviors on wi-fi usage due to the inability of realizing the prominent danger of this technology, (Arbaugh, 2003). This study will develop a conclusion that some steps must be taken to reduce the risks involved. Organizations can make their users happy by addressing the related productivity and legal security issues by implementing technology and monitor continuously challenges associated with mobile devices. But, the cost of ensuring safety means that consumers have to stage their safety or meet the cost of the risk of using wi-fi.

With a laid operations research objectives, this study is going to base its research and exploration on risks and the dangers which the mobile device user face when using Wi-Fi calling. At the end of this paper, the mobile device users will get enlightened on how to prevent and avoid the implications and risks.

The risks associated with Wi-Fi calls include causing serious security breaches. Wi-Fi technology is interesting, but it has serious security problem. All networks have security risks and their benefits are far beyond security, but that does not make profitability a priority over security. Wi-Fi are not save for making phones call. Such network owners and administrators do not have to deploy secure interface at an extra cost. Consumer need to know the risk of using wi-fi networks considering the nature and functionality of this network system. User are always excited when there is wi-fi signal on their mobile device. They are even more excited when they successfully try to connect to such network oblivious of the security risk involved.

1. What are the security risks and threats involved when making Wi-Fi calls?

2. What are the preventive measures to avoid the security risks while making Wi-Fi calls?

Wi-Fi Calling provides a cheaper alternative to making calls as compared to cellular technology. People prefer this communication methods because it is cheaper. Therefore, people would prefer saving money oblivious of the dangers involved. The potential security risk of Wi-Fi calling is far obvious than any other disadvantage of using this communication method. The security concerns involved include callers remaining prone to phishing. Wi-Fi networking tapping presents an opportunity to people with criminal intentions who are lie waiting for the opportunity to tap to a call without the caller suspecting. Using Wi-Fi calling put the callers privacy at mercy of the public hence risk of losing personal information. This study therefore, will document the known potential risks of Wi-Fi calling and solutions to keep private information secure. Documenting risks will assist in developing potential mitigation and advice the public on the cost-benefit of Wi-Fi calling. This research will provide information that will assist potential Wi-Fi callers to make decisions over their intentions to make communication through public networks.

Wi-Fi A technology for local area network developed under IEEE 802.11 protocol.

Wi-Fi Calling Making voice and video calls through the Wi-Fi network infrastructure.

Phishing Fraudulent online practices that send information to a target purporting that information come from a reputable source hence enticing the target to reveal private information.

Tapping Monitoring of internet phone calls achieved by an authorized third party.

Hackers Computer expert using their skilled knowledge to overcome a computer problem.

My research is to explore those risks and threats which user can face during Wi-Fi Calling and would try to come up with some preventive measures to avoid such risks and implications.  

Arbaugh, W. A.E. (2003). Real 802.11 Security: Wi-Fi Protected Access and 802.11i. Boston: Addison-Wesley.

Achara, J. P., Cunche, M., Roca, V., & Francillon, A. (2014, July). Short paper: WifiLeaks: underestimated privacy implications of the access_wifi_state android permission. In Proceedings of the 2014 ACM conference on Security and privacy in wireless & mobile networks (pp. 231-236), ACM.

Bar, F., & Park, N. (2005). Municipal Wi-Fi networks: The goals, practices, and policy implications of the US case. Communications & Strategies, 61, 107-126.

Boulos, M. N. K., Wheeler, S., Tavares, C., & Jones, R. (2011). How smartphones are changing the face of mobile and participatory healthcare: an overview, with example from eCAALYX. Biomedical engineering online, 10(1), 24.