Unfortunately, as long as smartphones are in our lives, we are likely to be exposed to various cyber threats.
Let’s see how we can protect ourselves from these attacks.
Update software and applications regularly.
The National Security Agency (NSA) advised users to update software and applications on smartphones to make devices more secure. Because hackers find secret ways to infiltrate phones by looking for vulnerabilities in existing software.
But with each update, companies are removing potential flaws that they could use to infiltrate your phone. According to the NSA, taking this step is one of the best ways to prevent hackers from accessing your data.
Only install apps from official stores.
Smartphone users should be careful when installing applications and ensure that they only download them from official stores such as the App Store and Google Play.
Because hackers often create a fake version of a legitimate application and once that version is downloaded, they gain full access to the device. The device can then install malware and share your data with third-party parties.
Use encrypted voice, text and data applications.
Encrypted voice, text, and data applications can help prevent hackers from accessing your personal information by converting your communications into a code.
WhatsApp, for example, is one of the most popular encryption apps by providing end-to-end encryption, keeping phone messages, calls, and other data private from everyone, including the app itself.
But it’s worth remembering that even encrypted applications are not 100% safe from attacks like WhatsApp.
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth unless necessary.
Whether you are an iPhone or Android user, connecting to public Wi-Fi networks should be avoided. Additionally, the NSA warned that users connecting to external networks should turn off Bluetooth when not using it.
Because hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities, and leaving Wi-Fi on makes the device susceptible to KRACK attacks, also called Key Reinstallation Attack.
Don’t click on every link you see.
The National Security Agency (NSA) warned iPhone and Android users not to open unknown email attachments and links. Because responding to unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information can lead to account compromise and identity theft.
Pay attention to the microphone and camera.
Using a cover to block out background noise can stop a hot mic attack, according to the NSA. These cases feature a built-in microphone jamming system that prevents unwanted eavesdroppers from overhearing your conversations via apps or an external cyberattack.
It is also important to turn off the front and rear cameras on both iPhones and Androids. Because if hackers gain access to your phone, they can turn the mobile camera on and off and record media on your phone.
Turn your phone on and off at least once a week.
Smartphones should be turned off and on once a week to prevent zero-click attacks and spear phishing. If users do not reboot the system, a hacker can modify open URLs and run code that installs malware on the device.
Turning off the phone resets all open web pages and applications, logs out of bank accounts to prevent cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information.
In summary, it will be beneficial to take all these precautions to protect smartphones from possible hacker attacks.
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