As we spend more and more time on our mobile devices, it’s increasingly important to keep them safe. Whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or other mobile devices, you need to take precautions to prevent it from being hacked. With the increase in the use of mobile devices, hackers are getting more interested in hacking your mobile device and stealing information from them. They are becoming more sophisticated, and cyberattacks are on the rise, it is more secure to be safe than sorry.
Your mobile device is vulnerable to cyber-attacks, which can lead to a loss of privacy, personal information, and sensitive data. These attacks can also lead to financial losses and identity theft. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to protect your mobile device from being hacked. In this article, we will discuss some tips that will help you prevent your phone from being hacked. But before we do, let’s discuss what mobile device hacking means.
What is mobile device hacking?
Mobile device hacking is a form of cybercrime that involves unauthorized access to your smartphone and tablet. While most people think of their smartphones as just a way to communicate with others, they are powerful computers that store sensitive information about you.
How does mobile device hacking happen?
There are several ways your mobile device can be hacked:
- Malware: Malware is software designed to disrupt computer operation, gather sensitive information, or gain access to private data. Mobile malware takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the operating system or apps on your phone.
- Phishing: Phishing scams trick you into entering personal information or downloading software that contains malicious code. The scammers use email and text messages to send you links to fake websites that look like real ones (social engineering). Once they have your login credentials, they steal your identity and money.
- Public networks: Connecting to public or free WiFi is a cyber threat that should be taken seriously by cyber-smart individuals. An attacker can monitor your activities online using network monitoring tools or perform a man-in-the-middle attack with the intention of harming or stealing from you.
- Physical access: Spyware can be installed in your phone or a misconfiguration can be performed in your device through granting of physical access. Sensitive information can be easily stolen from the device through this means.
Tips to prevent your mobile device from being hacked
Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent your phone from being hacked:
1. Never click on links in emails that look suspicious or out of place
Don’t open links from unknown senders via SMS messages or emails. If you receive an email with a link that looks like it could be from someone you know but it doesn’t look right, don’t click on it. Instead, call the person who supposedly sent the email to verify it’s legitimate.
2. Be cautious of unprotected Wi-Fi connections
There are no lock indicators next to the listings for unsecured WiFi connections. If you can, stay away from them and use the secure mobile connection you trust. Install a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN), which routes your traffic through secure connections, in the alternative. Never use an insecure connection to access your bank account or important documents, even if you are using a VPN. Secure connections include a lock icon, which is typically placed next to the network name. Public Wi-Fi networks aren’t as secure as private Wi-Fi connections because they’re open to anyone nearby who has access to them — including hackers trying to steal your information.
3. Disable Wi-Fi when not in use
When not in use, turn off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data. Many hackers are unable to access your phone if it is not online. This simple action can minimize the possibility of cyber-attacks.
4. Use strong passwords
Make your password simple and difficult to guess. Use complicated letter, number, and symbol combinations through passphrases. The security of a password increases with its complexity. Weak passwords include ones that are your birthday, anniversary, dictionary words, or a series of numbers like “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.” Avoid using letters that spell words like your name, your last name, or the name of your pet.
Use a password manager if you can. For all of your accounts, a password manager can create and securely store passwords. You’ll only need to remember one very secure password if you use a password manager.
Don’t share your passwords with anyone else. Sharing your passwords puts your phone at risk of being hacked. When you’re in public using an ATM, glance around to make sure no one is looking over your shoulder. Also, avoid entering a password near a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. You don’t know who’s watching on the other end.
5. Download apps from trusted sources
Before installing an app, check it out. Only download software with caution from trusted sources, like Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Before downloading any third-party apps, read reviews from CNET, Consumer Reports, or Wired.
Conclusion
The best way to prevent your mobile device from being hacked is to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. If you suspect a hacker is monitoring your calls and SMS, dial *#62# to check for any number tracking your phone. Then, click ##002# to cancel.
You should ensure that you have a strong password and PIN on your phone and that your device has a passcode or fingerprint security feature. You should also keep your phone software updated with the latest security patches so that any flaws in the code can be fixed before they are exploited by hackers. If you’re worried about malware and viruses on your Android device, it is advisable not to download apps from unknown sources as this could expose your device to infected apps or malware.
You should also avoid sending sensitive information such as passwords via text message or email as these can be intercepted by others who may try to use them for their purposes. Avoid the temptation of giving your mobile device to others. If it becomes necessary, monitor your device closely. Physical access is one of the most common ways your handheld device can be hacked.
Our Research Analyst: Endurance Igbru