Smartphones do much more than allowing you to call and text. They hold details about your bank, social media accounts, emails, and photos. Cybercriminals want that sensitive information. Understand how to identify phone hacks and what you can do to stop them.
Are there strange apps that you didn’t install? Is your battery draining faster than normal? Are there random pop-up ads? These are all signs that someone may have hacked your phone. Hackers can gain access to your device for the purposes of stealing personal data or monitoring your activities. In some cases, the hackers may be solely interested in your money or private data.
If you suspect that you have been hacked, immediately disable the internet on your phone. Then, delete any apps that you do not recognize. Change your passwords on all important accounts. Once you do this, log back in to your email, banking, and social media. Contact your network provider to discuss any suspicious activity and ask them to disable unknown services.
Install a highly rated mobile security app. Look for one that is has real-time protection. Then, install a trusted antivirus program. The antivirus program will scan your device for threats and block any you may have. Remember to keep the security software updated.
You should only ever download apps from official app stores. When looking for an app, only ever download them from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Third-party companies use a variety of tricks to hide malware. You should also check the app reviews before downloading.
Stay Away from Suspicious Links
Don’t click on links from any email that you don’t know. Don’t click on links in random text messages. They can install malware. Be especially careful when getting unexpected messages. Confirm the sender.
Always make sure to keep your phone’s software up to date. When manufacturers include updates, you get security patches. They protect your phone from vulnerabilities that are already known. And you may ultimately be better off using automatic updates if it’s available, so you never have to check.
Always set a lock on your phone that is not the simplest security lock. A PIN, pattern, or biometric lock is good. Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on any account. This adds an additional layer of security and makes it harder to access by hackers.
Be careful with how you are using Wi-Fi. You don’t know whether a public Wi-Fi network is secure at all. If you have to use it, make sure to use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your connection and secures your data.
Did you notice anything strange on your phone? Take action to lock it down immediately. Waiting can make the situation worse. There may be more information that hackers can steal. Moving quickly reduces the risk.
Smartphones contain your entire life’s data. Hackers are looking for your data. Protecting your phone is important! Use these tips to protect yourself. Make a practice of checking to not allow hacking to become part of your experience.
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