Before, mobile phone hacking was a problem only celebrities, VIPs or known figures in most industries, had to deal with. But now, with leaked videos and emails and even stolen photos used for fraudulent online identities, no one’s safe anymore.
Mobile phones are a hot target of hackers. If you’re not protected, they could access, and use, your personal information, send messages to everyone on your contact list, even stalk your every move if your phone’s GPS features are always on.
And the trouble isn’t going to stop with you. What if you have kids? What if these hackers happen to be pedophiles? Then they can track where you bring your kids, where they go to school, where they play—basically where they are all the time.
So stop dismissing the thought of your mobile security out of hand, thinking you have better things to do. You don’t.
Here are a few tips for you on how you could protect the privacy of your mobile phone from hackers.
- Never leave your phone unattended.
This is especially true if you’re in a public place—leaving your phone unattended or lying around—whether you’re in a restaurant or in the airport, passing time before a flight—is like leaving your wallet open for everyone, and an open invitation for thieves to abscond with your money.
- Always change your password.
If you don’t have a password, do yourself a favor. If already use one, do not use default or common passwords such as birthdays, your name, or the word “password”, which is the most common. Use a more complex one—like what smartphones offer such as patterns. Change it once in a while so that no one except you can access your own phone.
- Do not use same passwords for your accounts.
Use different passwords for your email, social networking sites, and mobile phone. Don’t make it an easy job for hackers to access your accounts all at once.
- Do not share your password and your phone.
Do this at your own risk. Even if you think the person is trustworthy, it still pays to be careful with your information. Also, if your phone is out for a fix, change your password immediately before you send it and after you get the unit back.
- Turn off Bluetooth and WiFi features if not in use.
If you’re on a
broadband connection plan at home and using data, then turn off your WiFi. Don’t forget to turn off the sharing feature as well. Also, if you’re using the Bluetooth connection, disable that too to prevent any external access to your phone. If you still rely on unprotected Bluetooth service, better to put a stop to that now before you compromise your mobile security later.
If you’re in a mall, restaurant, airport or hotel—or any other place using a public WiFi—never engage in any banking transactions especially when you need to pay for anything via credit card. Also, do not access important locations such as your home, office or, as already mentioned, your bank.
- Regularly delete your browsing history.
If you’re always on the phone, make it a practice to clear your browsing history, cache, and saved passwords regularly. Turn off your auto-complete forms. Yes, it’s a pain to always type in your data but it’s better to do that than risk your information. So just manually enter your information every time. This way, your virtual footprint won’t be accessible to prying eyes.
- Download trusted, password-protected apps but…
I’m sure there’s an app out there you can use to store important files in your phone and have it locked by a certain code. Put all your important files in there—such as your savings account password, photos, and credit card numbers. Make sure you only download safe apps though. Always take the time to read through reviews. Do you research first if you have no idea about the app. BUT, if you have any other option, then try not to save information of this sort on your mobile phone. That’s always safer.
If ever you need important files on your phone, make sure you have back-up files in your hard drives or PC. If and when you’re being hacked, at least you still have a copy of whatever file you need.
If you think you won’t be using your phone any time soon—you’re out for a vacation, or just off for a long sleep—then turn off the unit, remove the battery and you’ll enjoy a safe and sound sleep.
Cheers!!!
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