From making calls and sending text messages, to accessing social media sites like Facebook or banking apps, smartphones serve an array of essential purposes that we heavily heavily heavily rely on them.
Unfortunately, with increased smartphone usage comes greater cyber risks like hacking. Hackers have found ways to access personal data stored on smartphones through vulnerabilities in systems or phishing scams, leading to identity theft, financial losses, and other serious consequences.
As part of our effort to protect you and your personal information, we’ve come up with 10 steps you can follow to protect your smartphone from getting hacked.
1. Keep your software up to date
One of the most important tips in safeguarding your smartphone against hackers is to ensure your software is updated. This is because many of these updated versions contain patches that fix security bugs that exist in your software. Failure to update your software will give cybercriminals access to your phone.
Typically, it’s easy to update your smartphone’s operating system. Most smartphones have a system update feature in their settings, where the phone checks for any available operating system updates and downloads them. There is also an option to have your smartphone update your operating system automatically.
Also, it is vital to note that it is as important to keep the third-party apps updated as it is to keep the operating system itself updated. It is because these apps may have some bugs that may help hackers access the information on your phone, as well as take control of it. Therefore, it is necessary to keep the apps updated by checking them automatically on the app store.
2. Use strong passwords and biometrics
One of the surefire ways that your smartphone will not get hacked involves the utilization of strong passwords and biometric data. A strong password should have at least eight characters, including both capital and lowercase letters, figures, and symbols. Additionally, your password should not comprise personal details such as your name or date of birth. It is also essential that the password is frequently changed.
Biometric authentication uses unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans to verify identity. This method is harder for hackers to bypass compared to traditional passwords since they cannot replicate these physical features easily. However, it’s essential to ensure that you set up biometric authentication correctly and securely.
Always remember not to reuse old passwords across multiple accounts and avoid sharing them with others. Additionally, make sure you enable two-factor authentication where possible for extra security measures.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to your smartphone is through public Wi-Fi networks. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, you are sharing the same network with other users, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. They can easily set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots and trick unsuspecting users into connecting to them, giving them access to all their sensitive information.
To avoid this scenario, it’s best to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks altogether. If you absolutely must use one, make sure it’s a trusted network that requires a password or some other form of authentication. You should also use a virtual private network (VPN) software whenever possible. A VPN will encrypt your data and keep it hidden from prying eyes.
Another option is to use your smartphone as a mobile hotspot instead of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. This way, you have control over the security of the network and can ensure that only trusted devices are allowed on the network. Overall, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks is an important step in protecting your smartphone from getting hacked and keeping your personal information safe.
Also Read: How to Recover a Hacked Facebook Account
4. Be cautious when installing apps
While it could be convenient to make use of new features that come up in your smartphone by installing apps on it, one should be careful when doing this. While installing apps on your phone, make sure you read the description of the app beforehand, as this can give you an idea of whether the app is safe or not. Also, be sure to install apps from trusted sources only.
Additionally, be wary of applications that seek too much information during the installation process, such as access to your contact lists and your location. This may be a sign that the application is malicious, so it is best to be wary of this and avoid the application altogether.
Finally, remember to keep your smartphone’s operating system and apps updated with the latest security fixes. This is important as it ensures that the operating system is patched against possible hacks, and you do not fall victim to this possible threat while still enjoying all the benefits of using mobile apps on your smartphone.
5. Enable remote tracking and wiping
One effective way to protect your smartphone from hacking is by enabling remote tracking and wiping. This feature allows you to track the location of your phone in case it gets lost or stolen, and wipe all data remotely to prevent unauthorised access. Most smartphones come with this feature built in, but you may need to activate it manually.
To enable remote tracking, go to your phone’s settings and look for the “Find My Phone” or “Find My Device” option. Turn on the feature and ensure that location services are also enabled on your device. This will allow you to track your phone’s location using another device or computer if it goes missing.
In case of theft or loss, you can also use the remote wiping feature to erase all data on your phone remotely. This is important as hackers can gain access to sensitive information such as bank details, social media passwords, and personal contacts stored on your device. By enabling these features, you can ensure that even if someone else gets possession of your phone, they won’t be able to extract any valuable information from it.
Also Learn: How to Recover Hacked X Account
6. Secure your physical device
One of the most important things you can do to protect your smartphone from getting hacked is to secure it physically. This means taking steps to ensure that only authorised individuals can access your device. One way to do this is by setting a strong password or PIN code on your phone. Make sure to use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, and avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
Another way to secure your physical device is by enabling biometric authentication features such as fingerprint scanning or face recognition. These technologies are much harder for hackers to bypass than traditional passwords or PIN codes. You should also avoid leaving your phone unattended in public places where it could be stolen or tampered with.
Finally, consider investing in a protective case for your smartphone that covers all edges and corners of the device. This will not only protect against physical damage but also make it more difficult for anyone trying to access the internals of the phone without proper authorisation. By taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of someone hacking into your smartphone through physical means.
7. Enable two-factor authentication
Enabling two-factor authentication is one of the most effective ways to protect your smartphone from getting hacked. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of verification before accessing their account or device. This can include a fingerprint, facial recognition, or a unique code sent via text message.
By enabling two-factor authentication, you’re essentially creating a barrier that cyber criminals can’t easily break through. They would need access to your physical device or personal information in order to bypass this extra layer of security. This can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access and prevent malicious actors from stealing your sensitive information.
Overall, enabling two-factor authentication should be considered a mandatory step for anyone looking to improve their smartphone’s security posture. It may take a few extra seconds to log in each time, but it’s worth it for the added peace of mind of knowing that your data is safe from potential cyber-attacks.
8. Be wary of suspicious links and downloads
One of the most common ways for hackers to gain access to your smartphone is through suspicious links and downloads. These can come in the form of phishing emails, social media messages, or even pop-up ads. The goal of these links and downloads is to trick you into clicking on them, which will then download malware onto your device.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s important to be wary of any links or downloads that seem suspicious. Look for signs such as misspellings or unusual URLs that might indicate a phishing scam. Additionally, always check the source of any links or downloads before clicking on them.
If you do happen to click on a suspicious link or download something that seems questionable, immediately run a virus scan on your smartphone. This will help identify and remove any malicious software that may have been downloaded onto your device. It’s also a good idea to change all passwords associated with accounts accessed on your smartphone as an added precaution against potential hacking attempts.
9. Use a reputable antivirus app
One of the essential tips is to use a reputable antivirus app. The app will scan your phone for any malicious software and keep you safe from potential threats. However, not all antivirus apps are created equal, and it’s crucial to choose a trustworthy one.
Before downloading any antivirus app, do some research on the developer and read reviews from other users. Some malware may disguise itself as an antivirus app, so be sure to download from official sources such as Google Play or Apple Store. Additionally, make sure that the app is regularly updated to stay up-to-date with new threats.
Using a reputable antivirus app doesn’t guarantee complete protection against hacks, but it’s an essential step in securing your device. It’s also important to remember that no single security measure can fully secure your smartphone; therefore, it’s recommended that you take multiple precautions, such as using strong passwords and avoiding suspicious links or downloads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your smartphone is essential in today’s digital age, where cyber threats are rampant. With the increasing dependence on smartphones for personal and professional use, it becomes crucial to keep them secure from any potential mishaps that can compromise sensitive information. The 10 tips mentioned above serve as a guide to safeguard your device against hacking attempts.
Setting up strong passwords, using two-factor authentication, updating software regularly, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and being cautious of suspicious links or messages are some of the ways to ensure maximum security for your smartphone. It is also recommended to install anti-virus software and back up critical data regularly as an additional precautionary measure.
Overall, investing time and effort in protecting your smartphone can prevent you from falling victim to cybercrime and protect your valuable data from being compromised. Therefore, prioritising cybersecurity should be a top priority for smartphone users to enjoy uninterrupted usage without any risk.
