Ensure 'Wi-Fi scanning' Is 'Disabled'

MediumLevel 1Manual reviewandroid

Description

Wi-Fi scanning is a feature that allows your device to continuously scan for nearby Wi-Fi networks even when Wi-Fi is turned off. While it's used to improve location accuracy for services like Google Maps and Find My Phone, it also presents some security and privacy risks.

How it is checked

Audit method: Manual review

This recommendation cannot be checked automatically. A scan lists it with these instructions when you pass --include-manual.

Follow the below steps to verify that Wi-Fi assistant is Disabled: phone's Settings app > Location > Location services > Wi-Fi scanning > Verify that Wi-Fi scanning is turned OFF.

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Follow the below steps to disable Wi-Fi assistant: phone's Settings app > Location > Location services > Wi-Fi scanning > Toggle Wi-Fi scanning to OFF position.

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: androidgoogle-account-privacy
Reference: CIS Google Android Benchmark v1.6.0 - 2.10 Ensure 'Wi-Fi scanning' Is 'Disabled'