Mobile Security Tips: How To Prevent Hackers from Targeting Your Device

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Mobile Security Tips: How To Prevent Hackers from Targeting Your Device

As the digital age continues to progress, we should all be looking to make our devices and our connections to those devices more secured. By being more security savvy, not only do you increase the chance of remaining safe when browsing the net. You can also learn a bit about the technical side of how the devices you use work.

Change your Wi-Fi name and password

Changing your Wi-Fi name and password can be a good first step for web security. It’s common for people to keep the same name and password that came with the modem. However, this isn’t the best thing to do if you wish to be security conscious. Many default Wi-Fi names include the name of the modem in them. Using default names just makes it easier for people who may wish to break into your secure connection. Default passwords often follow a set formula, and while they offer a selection of letters and numbers, it can be pretty easy for people with ill-intentions and who know what they’re doing, to gain access to your network.

Put a pin or passcode on your device

On the topic of changing from the default settings, do the same with your phone or mobile device. Enable a secure pin or passcode on your device. Try not to make it something too obvious such as “1234” or your birthday. Passcodes are great as they are simple to set up and can add another layer of protection to your device. (Just don’t forget the number you set!).

If you wish to properly test the security of your mobile device (particularly if the device contains private security information), there are companies such as Sense of Security where trained professionals attempt to gain access to the device (a process referred to as penetration testing) and make recommendations for further security measures, should you require them.

Be careful when opening emails

According to Symantec, 1 in 131 emails contains a malware, and this number is predicted to be on the up. If you receive an email with a link you are unsure of, do not click it! This especially applies if the link is shortened or within an unsolicited email. If you receive an email from people claiming to be your bank, debt collectors, or the post office, call the company directly (using their verified number found on Google, as opposed to the one listed in the email) and explain to them the email you have received. They should be able to assist you with what to do next.

Use multiple emails

Having different emails for different areas of your life can be useful. Not only can it help keep your work life separate from your personal life. Having multiple email accounts can also make you harder to track online. Using a work email to handle employment obligations and use on resumes and a personal email for social media sites. Can also make it trickier from one sphere to find you on the other, protecting your identity further.

Beware of scamming text messages

As with emails, text messages can also be the target for people wishing to gain your information. Many hackers are now targeting mobile devices, and according to ThreatMatrix, there were over 150 million mobile fraud attacks globally in the first half of 2018, alone. If you receive a suspicious or unsolicited text message, contact the company that claims to have sent it via their verified number (as per suspicious emails) to report it.

Be cautious of third-party apps

According to RSA, 80 percent of mobile fraud occurs through mobile apps. While many people wish to forgo the price of paying for apps, finding apps online through third-party stores and torrenting sites can come at the cost of some nasty malware on your device. Although the iOS App Store and Google Play Store can still contain apps with bugs and malware, the chances are generally lessened due to their screening process.

Turn off settings when not in use

Turning off features of your device when not in use can be a good habit to get into. Settings such as Bluetooth and location services can be handy, but they can also be used by hackers to gain access to your device and information regarding your location. While this isn’t a super common occurrence, if you’re not using the features it can be worth switching them off to give you an extra layer of security (and conserve battery power!).

Bob Gorman

Bob Gorman is a freelance writer who likes writing articles that cover home and family-related topics. He has written numerous articles and contributed to several other blogs.

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