The use of mobile devices and public Wi-Fi networks is increasing day by day – and so is the number hackers and snoopers waiting for you. It’s an unfortunate situation but read on for some tips to increase your mobile security.
In case you didn’t know, your mobile devices are more vulnerable to hacking attacks as compared to the laptop or computers, even on your home network. Since most hackers focus on Android phones and smart home devices, we suggest you use a VPN with multiple simultaneous connections as a starter.
6 TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR MOBILE SECURITY FROM HACKING ATTACKS
1. USE A VPN
Connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks is definitely not recommended. When connecting to the internet from a public place like an airport, a coffee shop, or a hotel, a virtual private network (VPN) can hide your data from potential hackers.
Given how much of our personal and professional lives we conduct on our phones, the peace of mind that comes from using a VPN to keep data, documents, and activities private is invaluable. Plus, this security tip is a simple install, no need for you to actively avoid hackers.
2. KEEP YOUR APP DOWNLOADS TO VERIFIED SOURCES ONLY
Still, he applications you choose to install on your mobile device have access to sensitive data, so be careful which ones you choose to use.
Keep in mind that you should only install apps from official app stores such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Why? Each software found there is screened for malware before it is released to the public.
When in doubt about the safety of a newly-downloaded software, a full system check with a reputable antivirus program may help you rest easy – ant there’s plenty of antivirus options for phones. This type of apps provide automated and manual scans to identify potential security threats, allowing you to identify a malicious app before it may do damage to your system or compromise your personal information.
3. GRANT APP PERMISSIONS CAUTIOUSLY
This is essential! While you may only download applications from reputable sources like App Store or Google Play, you still may not have complete control over how your data is used.
Protect yourself further by restricting an app’s permissions. Most applications nowadays ask for access to a wide variety of personal data, including location, contacts, and images. Even though it may not seem like a big deal now, if an app is ever hacked or infiltrated, your privacy might be exposed.
Do they really need access to the camera?
Reject the app’s requests for questionable permissions and file a formal complaint with the app store if necessary. You should also run an antivirus check to confirm that the app didn’t install any viruses on your phone.
4. PLEASE DON’T ROOT YOUR PHONE
It might be tempting to jailbreak or root your phone, particularly if you have an iOS-based smartphone. You may install applications that haven’t been reviewed by Apple and switch cellular carriers by evading your phone’s operating system. Unfortunately, jailbreaking exposesexpose you to hacking and other dangers, which might have major consequences.
For starters, getting Google or Apple’s official software upgrades can become more hard since activating them may result in removing the jailbreak. You must also be certain that you can have full confidence in the apps you use, since they will have complete access to your smartphone once installed.
There are certain advantages to rooting your phone, but it’s not something you should do if you value your privacy and security on the internet.
5. CONFIGURE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simple but very effective security measure. Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds another layer of protection to your online accounts by requiring a second piece of information in addition to your login and password.
Although any sort of two-factor authentication is preferable to none at all, not all solutions are the same. A software token-based technique, like Google Authenticator that creates a time-based, 1-time passcode is the most secure option. Try to avoid two-factor authentication systems that rely on speech recognition or SMS text messages since they are less reliable – hackers can and do intercept texts.
Enabling two-factor authentication for your online accounts and using a VPN are the two most important steps you can do. For example, ExpressVPN encrypts your data transfer, making it impossible for hackers to view what you do online. Because of their 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test ExpressVPN for Android or iOS without any risk. If you aren’t happy with the service, just contact the support staff using the 24/7 live chat feature and request a refund.
6. DON’T FALL FOR SPAM OR PHISHING EMAILS
Spam filters in email clients will divert the vast majority of these dangers away from your inbox, but they can’t stop everything. We’ve compiled some anti-spam and anti-phishing measures to help you stay safe online:
If you get an email that seems suspicious, delete it without reading it. Opening an email isn’t inherently harmful, but it may still reveal your IP address, approximate location, ISP, and other information to the spammer.
Never download an attachment or open a link in an email that you suspect could be dangerous. If you do open a phishing email, the smartest action is to erase it right away. There is a risk that clicking on these links may expose you to malware.
Mark any questionable email as a spam or rubbish email – this helps your email service’s detection program to recognize such emails more effectively.
The increase in the use of mobile devices and public Wi-fi is increasing the risk of hackers and scammers bypassing your mobile security. By now, you know how to increase your mobile’s security and avoid hacking attacks.
One of the easiest methods is to use a VPN to protect your device against hackers but any of the tips in this guide will help keep your phone a lot safer.
