These days, our mobile devices are like an extension of ourselves. We use them for just about everything, from keeping in touch with friends and family to managing our finances and work documents. But as convenient and essential as they've become, mobile devices are also increasingly vulnerable to security threats and hackers. We are going to lead you through some common issues that can leave your mobile device vulnerable to hackers and some practical tactics you can do to protect yourself.
Top mobile security threats you should watch out for
Here are seven of the most common mobile security threats your devices are vulnerable to:
Malware
Malware is a type of threat software that is designed to damage or disable computers and mobile devices. It can come in different forms, such as viruses, trojans, worms, or adware. Malware can be installed on your device without your knowledge or consent, and it can be used to steal your personal information, track your location, or even disable your device.
Phishing
Another common threat is phishing - a type of online fraud that involves tricking people into divulging personal information, including credit card numbers, passwords, or account details. This information is then used to steal the victim's money or identity. Phishing attacks can be carried out via multiple forms as well, such as email, text messages, or fake webs that look identical to legitimate websites.
Spyware
Spyware is a type of malware that is designed to collect personal information about you without your knowledge or consent. It is often installed on your device without your knowledge, and it can be used to track your location, monitor your online activity, or even record your conversations.
Adware
As its name suggests, adware is a type of software that displays unwanted advertisements on your mobile device. Similar to spyware, it can be installed on your device without your knowledge or consent, and it can be difficult to remove. Adware can be used to track your online activity and target you with personalized ads.
Ransomware
Ransomware is the malware that can encrypt your files and demands a ransom for the decryption key. It is also installed on your device without your knowledge or consent, and it can be difficult to remove. Ransomware can be used to disable your device or hold your files hostage until you pay the ransom.
Rootkits
Rootkits allow attackers to gain control of your device. They can be installed on your device without your knowledge or consent, and they can be difficult to remove. Rootkits can be used to disable your device or gain access to your personal information.
Keyloggers
This is also malware. Keyloggers enable recording your keystrokes and sending them to the attackers. Like most malware, they are installed on your mobile devices without your notice or consent, and they are often difficult to remove. Keyloggers can be leveraged to steal your passwords or track your online activity.
How to protect your mobile devices from hackers - Useful tips
As mobile devices become more ubiquitous over time, the number of hackers targeting them increases as well. These devices are vulnerable to a variety of threats and attacks, as we mentioned above, and they can cause several severe consequences. In the software and application development sector, hackers can get access to the source code and make changes to it, which can lead to data or financial losses, or even legal repercussions. There are a number of software development security best practices and ways to keep your device safe from hackers and what they might cause.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date
One of the best possible ways to safeguard your devices against security threats is to make sure that your operating system and all the apps you use are always up to date. Many security vulnerabilities are exploited by attackers who exploit known weaknesses in outdated software. By keeping everything updated, you can help close these potential entry points for hackers.
Use a secure lock screen and password protection
Another basic but effective security measure is to use a strong password or passcode to lock your device when you're not using it. This will help prevent unauthorized access in the event that your device is lost or stolen. You should also consider using a lock screen pattern or PIN that's different from the one you use to unlock your device, just to be extra safe.
Be cautious about what you download and install
When you're downloading apps, only get them from trusted sources like the official app store for your particular operating system. Be sure to read reviews and do some research before installing anything on your device. And when it comes to email attachments and links, err on the side of caution - only open them if you're absolutely sure they're safe.
Use security features like two-factor authentication
If available, take advantage of security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) or fingerprint scanners. These can help thwart hackers even if they manage to obtain your password or PIN. Two-factor authentication always requires you to enter a second code, typically sent to your phone, in order to log in. Therefore, even if someone has your password, they won't be able to access your account without also having that second code.
Keep an eye on your device's permissions
Be mindful of the permissions you're granting to apps on your device. If an app is asking for permission to access sensitive data or perform certain actions, make sure you understand why it needs that access before proceeding. In general, beware of any app that seems to be asking for more permissions than it needs.
Use a VPN
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) can add extra layers of security to your online activity by encrypting data and hiding your IP address. This makes it much more troublesome for hackers to spy on your activity or steal your personal information. When choosing a VPN, look for one that offers military-grade encryption and doesn't keep logs of user activity.
Back up your data regularly
In case your mobile device is lost, stolen, or infected with malware, it's important to have a backup of all your data. That way, you can restore your files and pick up where you left off without too much inconvenience. There is a multitude of different ways to back up your data, so choose the method that's best for you and make sure to do it on a regular basis.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of techtimes.com
