In a world becoming increasingly technology-dominated, it is essential to arm yourself with knowledge and tips on protecting yourself and your data from potentially falling into the wrong hands. This article summarises some of the measures you could take to protect your phone data from potential hackers. These measures could also be adapted to personal computers and other digital devices.
They are as follows:
- Update your Apps and Software
It is vital to regularly check and install app and software updates when they become available.
Also, one should avoid overriding the manufacturer's restrictions. They exist for a reason, and trying to circumvent them could make one's phone vulnerable to spyware and other safety infringements.
- Exercise Caution When Installing Apps and Software
When you install apps and software on your phone, you essentially grant the developer or manufacturer permission to access certain information about you. This can include access to your camera or microphone and your files. This is especially risky when installing third-party apps or apps and software from unofficial or unfamiliar websites.
- Review your Current Apps
Sometimes, specific app updates can expose your information in a way that puts you at risk. As a result, monitoring and reviewing the permissions that come with app updates is crucial. On iOS, you can go to Settings > Privacy to review some of this information. On Android, you can download security apps from reputable security providers such as McAphee to help alert you to any malicious activity conducted on your phone by a third party.
- Install a Password on your Phone
When you’re not using your phone, ensure it is protected with a passcode to restrict free access by external parties. Some devices offer protection, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, before accessing a phone or specific apps. It is worth going the extra mile to install these built-in safety measures to protect your information from unwelcome parties.
- Enable Phone Tracking and Phone Locking
If something unsavoury occurs and you lose your phone or it is stolen, you could utilise the “find my device” feature on both Apple and Google devices, provided this option is available.
For Apple users, you can access the feature by going to Settings > iCloud > Find my iPhone. Android users can access the feature by visiting android.com/find and signing into their Google Account. You could also configure your phone to automatically lock and erase your data in the event of a theft, should you deem that suitable.
- Log out From Apps and Online Services After Usage
Endeavour to log out of your apps and online services after you use them. Auto-logins are known to be convenient and provide immediate access to users. However, leaving open access to the apps and services you subscribe to could put you at significant risk if your phone falls into the wrong hands.
Also, use strong and different passwords for your password-protected apps and sites. A unilateral password can expose your information on a wide range of services and render you utterly vulnerable to malicious activity by external parties. You can download a reputable Password Manager such as Dashlane or NordPass to keep track of all your passwords or otherwise maintain a written log (albeit a safer option).
- Beware of Open WIFI
Using open wireless networks makes your data vulnerable to potential attackers. Though this sort of attack requires specific technical skills, it is something that one needs to keep in mind when using open networks. If you are sceptical about the safety of a particular network, then the best and safest thing you can do is to avoid connecting to that network altogether. If you otherwise must log onto the network, then you might want to use a reputable VPN tool or app such as NordVPN or TunnelBear, which allows your data to remain encrypted from potential prying eyes.
REFERENCES
- https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/26/12-ways-to-hack-proof-your-smartphone-privacy-data-thieves
- https://n26.com/en-eu/blog/how-to-protect-your-phone-from-hackers
- https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-prevent-and-remove-phone-hacking
https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-protect-your-smartphone-from-hackers-and-intruders/