The high rate of cyber attacks in Nigeria and beyond is alarming, but ways to protect your smartphone from hackers are at your fingertips thanks to tech security company Kaspersky.
Unauthorised access to smartphones compromises the identity and privacy of the owner, and hackers continuously refine their skills, making their activities harder to detect. This leaves the average smartphone user vulnerable to cyber threats without adequate awareness. This advisory from Kaspersky compiles essential strategies to shield your smartphone from hackers.
Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity company that enables its consumers to use technology to enjoy their lives without worrying about cybersecurity risks, provided guides on how to protect a phone from hackers.
However, it is important to note that a smartphone is being hacked when the phone slows to a crawl, experiences unexpected freezing, crashes, or restarts unexpectedly. These symptoms may also include noticing strange activity on the user’s other online accounts or receiving unfamiliar calls or texts in your logs.
Phone hacking, according to Kaspersky, “involves any method where someone gains unauthorized access to your phone or its communications. This can range from advanced security breaches to simply listening in on unsecured internet connections.”
However, it is important to note that a smartphone is being hacked when the phone slows to a crawl, experiences unexpected freezing, crashes, or restarts unexpectedly. These symptoms may also include noticing strange activity on the user’s other online accounts or receiving unfamiliar calls or texts in your logs.
Want to beat smartphone hackers? Follow these steps:
1. Avoid downloading sketchy or untrustworthy apps.
2. Refrain from jailbreaking your phone, as this increases the risk of unknowingly inviting hacks while allowing downloads from unofficial app stores.
3. Keep your phone physically secure at all times.
4. Always use a passcode lock and employ complex passwords.
5. Do not store passwords on your device.
6. Regularly clear your internet browsing history.
7. Activate a lost device tracking service.
8. Keep all apps updated to their latest versions.
9. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced security.
10. Be cautious with using text or email for 2FA, as these methods can be intercepted through hacks like SIM swapping.
11. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks without a virtual private network (VPN) for added protection.
By implementing these precautions, users can significantly reduce the risk of hackers gaining access to their smartphones and personal data by taking proactive measures about their cybersecurity to safeguard their digital life effectively.
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