How to protect your smartphone from hackers

 

Being a victim of phone hacking can be a distressing experience. The most severe consequence of phone hacking is when the perpetrator gains unauthorized access to your various online accounts, including social media, email, online shopping platforms, and even sensitive banking details. In such a scenario, you would be compelled to undergo the arduous task of changing numerous passwords, securing your credit, notifying your financial institution and online retailers (such as Amazon, eBay), and identifying any other compromised information.

It is advisable to adopt a proactive approach rather than a reactive one. Waiting until you fall victim to a hack before prioritizing your privacy and security is not ideal. Take preemptive measures to safeguard yourself now.

Use a passcode lock or Face or Touch ID

 The common perception of hacking involves an image of an individual in a distant location skillfully manipulating code to infiltrate your device. While this scenario can indeed occur, the truth is often less exciting. Hacking essentially refers to an unauthorized individual gaining access to the data on your device. Therefore, if someone physically obtains your phone and accesses your data without your permission, you can consider yourself hacked.

 The initial line of defense for your mobile device is the passcode lock or face or touch ID. Although this technology is not completely foolproof, activating a password or another form of authentication will effectively deter a significant number of individuals from accessing your phone if they manage to obtain it. While adding a lock to your phone may appear to be a minor inconvenience, it pales in comparison to the inconvenience of falling victim to a hacking incident.

Frequently back up your phone

There are multiple benefits to regularly backing up your phone. Not only does it simplify the process of transitioning to a new phone, but it also provides peace of mind in case your phone is lost or stolen.

In the unfortunate event that your phone goes missing, you have the option to remotely erase all the data on it. This ensures that even though you may no longer have physical access to your phone, your important data remains secure. It is crucial to remember that if you do not have at least three copies of your data, it cannot be considered truly backed up. To assist you further, here are the steps to back up both your iPhone and Android phone.

Don’t store passwords (or other sensitive information) on your phone

 It is generally advised against storing passwords or any sensitive information, such as credit card details or personally identifying information, on your phone. If your phone is compromised and an unauthorized individual gains access to this information, it can have severe consequences beyond inconvenience. It could potentially lead to the complete destruction of your credit and the depletion of your bank account.

However, if you still wish to store passwords on your phone, it is crucial to utilize a password manager. Even if you are on a tight budget, there are free options available. Password managers require a master password to access all of your account credentials, so it is important to create a strong master password that you can easily remember. Above all, refrain from storing this master password on your phone.

Only download apps from an official app store

Primarily, this is relevant for Android users, given that Apple's app review process is considerably more rigorous than Google's. Moreover, Android enables the download of third-party applications, which presents the possibility of downloading a harmful app.

Furthermore, it is crucial to exercise caution when granting permissions to apps. Certain apps may request access to your camera, microphone, photos, and other sensitive information. While some apps may genuinely require these permissions, mindlessly granting access to any and every app can leave you vulnerable to fraudulent activities.

Keep your phone and apps updated

Updating software is crucial as it often includes important security patches and improvements. Cybercriminals are quick to exploit any known vulnerabilities in operating systems or applications. By regularly updating your apps and phone systems, you can stay ahead of potential hackers.
 Additionally, if you’re not actively using an app, it’s good practice to delete them.

Always use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

 Two-Factor Authentication, known as 2FA, is an authentication technique that boosts the security of your accounts. Rather than solely relying on a password, you will be required to provide an additional means of verifying your identity.

2FA is available in various forms, including SMS, authenticator apps, Bluetooth, and even physical security keys. Each type of 2FA offers a different level of security. Having a clear understanding of the basics will assist you in determining the most suitable method for your specific circumstances. However, when it comes to your phone, a physical security key is truly unbeatable.

Use a VPN

When utilizing public Wi-Fi, it is advisable to employ a virtual private network (VPN). By using a VPN, your IP address is concealed and any data transmitted is encrypted, thereby increasing the difficulty for malicious actors to intercept or decipher it. This added layer of security enhances the safety of activities such as online purchases. However, the absence of a VPN does not guarantee protection against potential hacking of your phone.

In the absence of a VPN, your IP address is exposed to potential threats. Remote Hacking, a common hacking method, involves threat actors exploiting your IP address to infiltrate your smartphone (or any other device in use). By utilizing a VPN, you mask your device's actual IP address with the IP address of the VPN server you are connected to, effectively safeguarding yourself against remote hacking.