We live in a digitally advanced world where securing your smartphone is essential to keeping your private and sensitive information protected.
For many of us, our personal, financial, and professional lives and information are all stored and managed on our mobile devices. So, any infiltration from third parties can pose a great danger to our livelihoods and entire being.
Similar to the advancement of technology, hackers are constantly evolving their methods of exploiting vulnerabilities in smartphones. Therefore, without taking the proper precautions, you put your data in huge jeopardy.
Without further ado, we’ll be exploring different simple and relatable ways to protect your smartphone from hackers.
7 Tips To Protect Your Smartphone
Use Strong Passwords and Biometric Authentication
The simplest and most basic way of protecting our smartphones from hackers is to set strong passwords. Whatever you use to unlock your device (whether pattern, pin, or biometric) serves as the first line of defence against unauthorized access.
So, when setting a password, avoid using simple and predictable options like birthdays or “1234.” Aim for at least 6-digit PIN or a complex alphanumeric password.
Also, note that a good password should have a mixture of upper and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Keep in mind that the longer, the better.
You can also enable biometric authentication like fingerprint, iris scanning, or facial recognition. These methods add an extra layer of security and make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your device.
Update Your Software
It is essential to regularly update your smartphone’s operating system (iOS, Android) and installed apps. This is because they patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, as well as provide new features.
Software vulnerabilities act as access for malware, hacking attempts, and ransomware. You can enable automatic updates to get security patches as soon as they are released. You can also check manually for updates.
Install Apps from Trusted Sources
Apps are also known to carry malicious software (malware), which is another avenue that hackers use to steal your data. Therefore, it is best to avoid downloading apps from unofficial or third-party sources.
Stick to official app stores like Google Play Store (for Android) and the Apple App Store (for iOS) since they conduct regular checks and verifications to minimise the risk of access to malicious content.
You can also review the permissions an app requests before installing it. Be careful and only grant permissions that are required for each app to function properly.
Avoid Clicking Links Anyhow
Phishing scams are one of the most common methods that hackers use to trick people into giving away sensitive information. They often materialize in the form of emails, text messages, or even phone calls — all appearing to be from legitimate sources.
Therefore, be wary of text messages or emails that request your personal information, financial details, or passwords. Also, never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.
Lastly, always check the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) before entering any sensitive information. Look for HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secured) to ensure that the website is trustworthy and not spoofed.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA offers an extra layer of security to your login process. Besides entering your password, you can confirm your identity using a second method like an email code, authentication app, or text message.
Even if a hacker gets access to your password, they won’t be able to infiltrate your account without this second form of verification. So, you can use this for your sensitive accounts like social media, banking, and email.
For more safety precautions, use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy because they create time-sensitive codes for additional security. This is a better alternative to SMS codes that can be easily intercepted with SIM-swapping attacks.
Leverage the VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Public Wi-Fi networks are usually insecure. Therefore, connecting with them without proper precautions can expose your data to hackers. However, a VPN helps to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address. This makes it harder for hackers to monitor or take over your online activity.
When choosing a VPN service, ensure to pick a reputable one. This refers to one that doesn’t log your activity and provides a high level of encryption. Don’t trust free VPNs because they are less secure, so, invest in a trusted paid option.
Disable Bluetooth, NFC, and Location Services
When not in use, do not forget to disable your Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), and location services. This is because they can be exploited by hackers if left unused.
They can use your open Bluetooth connection to gain access to your device or send malicious files. Also, they can skim data from your NFC (used for contactless payments) if left open when not in use.
Lastly, always turn off your location services when not needed as hackers can use them to track your movements or target you for location-based phishing scams.
Install a Mobile Security App
Smartphones can also be protected with antivirus and security apps just like computers. These apps protect your device from cyber threats.
They offer real-time malware scanning and detect and remove malicious files before they cause any harm. Also, they ensure safe browsing and can alert you to phishing websites or malicious links before you click on them.
Some recommendations include Kaspersky, Norton Mobile Security, Bitdefender, and McAfee.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an engineer or professional before you can protect your smartphone from hackers. by using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, disabling Bluetooth and location services when not in use, and installing a mobile security app, to mention a few, you can easily protect your device. As hackers continue to evolve in their infiltration approaches, you too need to remain vigilant and regularly update your security practices.
We leave you with these final words; cybersecurity is not a one-time thing but an ongoing process. So, keep taking precautionary and protective measures to keep your personal and financial information safe.
Learn More: Encode: A Simple Mobile-Friendly Page.
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