How to Protect Your Phone from Hackers in 2021
Cyberattacks take place every day and can affect almost anyone. It is important to take all steps necessary to protect your phone and your personal information. Despite the remediation methods available, prevention is always key against hackers.
Recycell’s used cellphone experts tell you more about how to protect your phone from hackers.
1. Always update your phone
Software updates may seem annoying and time-consuming, but they are crucial to address any vulnerabilities that hackers may be aware of on older software. You can easily enable auto-updates on both your software and apps to make sure that your phone is always up to date.
2. Use security protection
Both Avast and McAffee offer free smartphone security packages that can warn you if you are trying to download an app or take an online action known to be malicious.
You can also encrypt your device. Android devices tend to have automatic encryption. If you have an iPhone, enable data protection at the bottom of the Touch ID & Passcode section.
Another built-in method for increased protection is two-factor authentication (2FA), a second verification whenever your password is used. This can include using fingerprints or face ID after your passwords have been entered.
3. Use strong passwords
Make sure to always keep your phone locked when you are not using it since physical access is the easiest way for hackers to get in. Both iPhones and Android devices offer the option to create six-digit phone passwords. Avoid using predictable passwords like “123456” or “000000.”
You should also have your notes locked with a different password if you keep any confidential information like credit card numbers. However, you should ideally avoid storing this information on your phone.
4. Only download trustworthy apps
Most apps require permission to access different features, such your camera or microphone. These features are often necessary for the app to work, but this access can also be abused by ill-intentioned individuals.
Similarly, if you are downloading an app promoted online, make sure that the website is safe. This is especially the case for Android phones, since Apple is stricter with apps it allows onto the App Store.
You can double check that the apps already on your phone are safe and see which permissions are being used. If you are using an Apple device, you can do this by going under Settings > Privacy.
5. Keep online services locked
Although auto-login may seem convenient, this feature is more of a risk than anything else. By activating this, a hacker simply needs access to your browser to access all your accounts.
You should also avoid using the same password for all your online services to further protect your phone and data from hackers.
6. Avoid over-sharing online
Giving out your phone number may seem harmless, but it can be used in 2FA. It can also give hackers an extra outlet to send you any fake text messages used to hack your phone.
You should also hide access to any other personal information on your social media, like your full date of birth or any relevant addresses. This information can make it easier for hackers to gain access to your personal accounts.
7. Always keep your phone with you
Make sure you always have your phone on you when in public. As a preventative measure, activate the built-in “find my phone” feature in case your phone gets lost or stolen. You can also make your missing device ring to track it or draw attention to the thief.
8. Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi
Turning off Bluetooth and WiFi when they are not in use is a quick and easy way to help protect your phone from hackers. When you connect your phone to public networks, you open yourself up to greater risk of personal data access by any hacker who has the software skills to do so.
If you do use a public unprotected WiFi network, make sure to also apply the other preventative measures mentioned above. You can also use a VPN tool to prevent hackers from monitoring your actions. Lastly, avoid accessing any personal or financial data when using public networks.
Keep your phone protected from hackers
In short, there are a few preventative methods to protect your phone from hackers. You can also make sure that you purchase your device from a reputable source, especially if you are purchasing a used phone.
At Recycell, all our used phones come from trusted sources. Contact us for more information or to choose your next cellphone.