We use our cell phones for everything these days, from checking emails to surfing the internet. With so much personal information stored on our phones, it’s important to take steps to protect them from cyberattacks. During the holidays’ cyberattacks increase by 40%, that´s why it is really important to be aware of Black Friday phishing 2022 and take relevant precautions. While we pay more attention to the dangers that hackers pose to our laptops and computers now, we also have to recognize that smartphones are vulnerable to cyberattacks. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for safer smartphone use and what are the main cyberattacks on smartphones.
Five ways to protect your phone
The smartphone has become how we work, live and play. For many of us, it is the only thing that we bring out of our homes, replacing laptops, wallets and even house keys. The billions of smartphones around the world contain sensitive personal and business data, providing infinite opportunities for hackers to steal private information.
Here are five useful tips to keep your mobile device secure:
1. Do not download unofficial or unauthorised apps
Only download apps from the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store to prevent unauthorised backdoor access to your phone. Be cautious of downloading any app that is not well-known or comes from an unfamiliar developer.
When in doubt, do a quick search online to see if any reports of malware are associated with the app. Also, check the reviews and ratings before downloading anything onto your device.
2. Don’t re-use passwords for different accounts
Hackers have more opportunities to exploit as consumers continue to establish new accounts for digital services, including telehealth services and new ride-hailing and e-commerce platforms. Using the same password for multiple accounts is a poor data privacy practice, and one attack might expose the user’s entire internet footprint to hackers.
3. Don’t share personal information over public Wi-Fi networks
When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, your internet activity can be monitored by anyone else on that network. This means that hackers can easily intercept any data you are sending or receiving, including passwords, financial information and even sensitive personal data.
When using a public Wi-Fi network, only use secure websites with “HTTPS” in the URL. This will help protect your information from being seen by other people on the network. Additionally, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks to access sensitive accounts such as online banking or email.
4. Install protection apps from your cellphone manufacturer
Most brands like Samsung and Apple offer device protection apps against phishing attacks. Phishing is an attack in which cyber criminals deceive victims into giving private information or downloading malware, appearing as links, attachments, or authentic apps. Hackers with access to your sensitive information might exploit it in various ways, including demanding ransom money, stealing your personal information, committing various crimes, or using your credit card information to make purchases.
5. Update your security and essential software
One of the most important things you can do to protect your phone is to keep your security and essential software up to date. By running the latest version of your operating system, you’ll have the latest security features and patches that help protect against new threats.
Additionally, be sure to update any apps you have installed on your device. Outdated apps are often one of the weakest links in your phone’s security, as they may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
It is not enough to only know how to protect your cell phone. But you must also be conscious of the most typical ways phones are attacked. In this way, you can avoid becoming a victim.
Cyberattacks on smartphones
Smishing
Another type of phishing is smishing, which uses SMS messages instead of email. The goal is still to steal personal information, but this time the cybercriminal sends a fake message from a well-known company. They trick the recipient into clicking on a link that takes them to a phony website.
Sim swapping
The criminal assumes the identity of the victim and contacts his cell phone company. He claims to had his smartphone stolen. Because of its mobility, he requests that his number be transferred to a phone with a different SIM card. The hacker is able to request temporary connection codes by SMS to organizations and service providers since calls and messages are redirected.
Malicious applications
When you download an app from a third-party store or side-load it, there is always the risk that it will contain malware. Some apps are created solely to steal information or money from unsuspecting victims. Others may be legitimate but have been modified to include malicious code.
Final thoughts
With the increase in smartphone, usage comes an increase in the number of cyberattacks. Following the tips above can help protect your phone from being hacked. However, it’s important to remember that no security measure is 100% effective. The best defence against cybercrime is to be aware of the risks and reduce exposure.
