10 steps to protect your smartphone from hacking

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Unsecured mobile devices can cause the loss of important personal files, credit card information, and accounts. These tips will help protect yourself and your devices from intruders.

Ransomware attacks against users and entire organizations have become more frequent. The recent massive attack by WannaCry, which killed more than 200,000 computers worldwide, was largely possible precisely because of the poor security of mobile devices. Here are ten simple tips to help reduce the chances of a smartphone or tablet being jailed.

1. Update your operating system

Install new versions of the OS immediately. If this does not happen automatically, pay attention to the notifications and do not delay. Updates often contain fixes for recently discovered firmware vulnerabilities.

2. Install new versions of applications

Mobile app updates are also often not automatic. However, they contain amendments to improve the security of your device.

3. Do not download anything

Experts recommend paying close attention to the information about the application developer and the download source. This is especially true of links to free downloads randomly obtained from the Internet. Trust only trusted sources. Also, do not click on suspicious links that promise, for example, a prize draw.

4. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Remember to deactivate Wi-Fi and other connections when you are not using them. Access points open the way for remotely logging into your smartphone or tablet. It is much more difficult for attackers to gain access to a device that has wireless functionality disabled.

5. Pay attention to text messages

Immediately remove messages from unknown senders, especially those containing links or a request for any of your data. Do not go to suspicious sites (for example, promising a reward for filling out a questionnaire or watching a video), even if the link came from your friend. It is likely that his phone was jailbroken.

6. Use strong passwords

Of course, it's easier to remember obvious passwords (like your date of birth or just 12345), but they can be just as obvious to crackers. All combinations based on personal information, words from any language, significant dates, and so on are relatively easy to pick. It is best to use randomly generated sets of numbers and letters of different case. Also, see which apps can help you manage your passwords efficiently and securely.

7. Set up remote access

The two most popular mobile platforms have Android Remote Control and Find My iPhone features. They will allow you to find out the location of the stolen device and erase personal data and files from it. And here is an instruction on what to do if you have lost your smartphone.

8. Enable encrypted backup

A daily encrypted copy of data from your phone will help you recover information in case of loss or theft of your device. Backups are a guarantee of the safety of your data.

9. Sign out of accounts

It's easier to never log out of your account on frequently visited sites and apps, but it increases the risk of being hacked. Instead of clicking "Save Password" and "Stay signed in," it's best to enter your password every time and be safe.

10. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

An open access point without a password is a favorite method of attackers. And even password-protected Wi-Fi can be dangerous. By connecting to your device, an attacker will be able to get literally everything that is on the gadget and see everything that you do on it.

To determine if a device has been compromised, you should pay attention to such signs as fast discharge, applications that open and close on their own, excessive consumption of mobile traffic.