Final answer:
While total system failures like those impacting critical infrastructure are significant concerns in the context of technology, they are not a direct risk of connecting a mobile device to a public network. Public networks mostly pose risks to individual privacy and data security.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connecting a mobile device to a public network comes with several risks, but not all of the concerns associated with technology apply to this situation. One of the risks that is NOT directly associated with connecting to a public network is the risk of total system failure, such as the Y2K panic or large-scale infrastructure malfunctions like those at nuclear power plants following a disaster. The dangers typically associated with public networks include loss of privacy, exposure to malware, and the possibility of cyberattacks like phishing or man-in-the-middle attacks.