According to a report from Statista, 94% of the global digital population connects to the internet via mobile phone. Hence, phone security is becoming increasingly important as more of our personal information is digitized and stored on mobile phones. Because the methods are constantly evolving, you'll need to stay vigilant about security.
Being aware of your digital behavior is the best way to protect yourself, and fortunately, many well-known practices have been shown to reduce the risks of hacking.
How to protect your phone from being hacked
Don't download suspicious or disreputable apps
If you're unsure, check reviews and do your research before installing any app. If you're not sure about an app's safety, don't install it.
Keep your phone with you at all times
If someone steals your phone or has access to it, they can hack it quickly. This is why it is important to keep it with you at all times. If you can keep your phone with you, a hacker will have to work much harder to get into it.
Lock your phone and use strong passwords
Don't use personal identification numbers that can be easily guessed, e.g., birthdays, graduation dates, or basic defaults like "0000" or "1234." Use a longer password if available, such as a 6-character password consisting of at least one uppercase letter, a lowercase letter, a number, and a symbol. Never reuse the same password in more than one place.
Don't store passwords on your device
Remembering unique passwords for each account can be difficult. So use a secure password manager, any service that allows you to store all your secure credentials in a digital repository, giving you easy access and the security you need. If you use an Android phone, Google Password Manager is an option to explore.
Clear your internet history frequently
It can be easy to trace your life trends from all the traces in your browser history. So, delete everything, including cookies and cache, from time to time.
Enable "Find My Device"
If you lose track of your device in a public place, you can use "Find My Device" to track its current location. Some phones have a built-in app for this, while others may require a third-party app to add this feature.
Keep all your apps updated
Even trusted apps can have bugs that hackers exploit. App updates include bug fixes to protect you from known risks. The same applies to your operating system, so update your phone whenever possible.
Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
This is a second verification method that follows an attempt to use your password. Always turn on 2FA on your phone for added security. Biometrics such as fingerprints and facial recognition are becoming popular options.
NB: Be careful when using text messages or email for your 2FA. Text messages and email 2FA are better than no protection at all, but they can be intercepted through hacks like SIM swapping.
How to tell if your mobile phone has been hacked
Now you know how to protect your phone against criminals trying to hack it. But what if you couldn't prevent the attack and your device has already been infected? These signs below will tell you if your phone has been hacked:
- If you have messages or calls in your history that you didn't make, someone is likely sending them from your device without you realizing it.
- Is your device overheating or running extremely slowly? This could be because an infected app has been installed in the background. Contact an expert!
- If you receive an email asking you to reset a forgotten password, be alert! Someone with access to your phone could be fulfilling that request.
- One warning sign that your mobile phone has been hacked is the appearance of strange notifications such as "text copied to clipboard" or "location disabled".
- Having excessive advertising in your browser.
- Your phone's battery is draining quickly.
- Noise during calls is a clear sign that your phone has been hacked.
- If your device takes a long time to turn off or on, it could be an infection by someone trying to hack your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a hacker from my mobile phone?
A very effective way to remove a hacker from your mobile phone is by installing an antivirus app on your device. Even so, if you have the slightest suspicion that a criminal has infected your phone, contact an expert to remove their access and protect your phone and your data.
Is it possible to hack a mobile phone with just a number?
Several years ago, it was possible to hack a mobile phone using only a phone number. While highly skilled hackers can still gain access to a device with just a number, most operating systems now have effective safeguards to prevent this.
How to tell if your mobile phone camera has been hacked
One way to tell if your phone's camera has been hacked is to check if the indicator light is on while you're doing things that don't require it. Another sign is if the battery drains faster than usual or the device gets very hot.
For extra peace of mind, some users choose trusted devices like M-KOPA smartphones, which come with added security support. With M-KOPA, you don't just get a smartphone, you get trusted devices, secure financing, and support designed to keep you safe and connected. Contact us to learn more.
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