Phone security: How to keep hackers out of your phone

Check out some security tips to protect your data on your mobile device

The majority of us don't consider phone security until something goes wrong, let's face it. By then, too? Usually, it's a major issue.

Consider this: your phone is no longer just a phone. It's a pocket-sized gadget that combines your bank, social life, photo album, and even your work helper. Isn't that incredible? Yes! However, it also increases the likelihood that hackers and other online dangers would target your phone.


So, how can you protect it without sacrificing all the comforts? You don't have to give up your smartphone, which is wonderful news. One straightforward idea holds the key to the solution: phone security.

We'll lead you through doable, simple steps in this guide to safeguard your data and phone from harmful attacks. We have all the information you need to be safe, whether it's malware, phishing scams, or illegal access. Let's get started and make sure your phone and personal information don't end up in the wrong hands.

Phone security: what is it?
The technique of protecting mobile devices from a variety of cyberattack vectors that jeopardize users' privacy, network login credentials, finances, and safety is referred to as phone security or mobile device security. It consists of a number of best practices, controls, policies, and technology. We are protected from all types of cybersecurity attacks via phone security.

Another way to describe this approach would be as a collection of strategies and resources that guard mobile devices from security risks. Mobile security always involves user authentication and network access control, even though its components differ based on the needs of each company.

What are the risks to mobile security?
Cyberattacks that target mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, are considered mobile security threats. Similar to a PC or enterprise server assault, a mobile security threat takes use of flaws in mobile hardware, software, and network connections to allow for unauthorized and harmful activity on the device.

One instance would be if hackers were able to access our mobile processor chips and use them to mine cryptocurrency or join botnets. The larger picture would be identity and personal account theft and access, which they may sell for anything from pennies to hundreds of dollars. Hackers can also take use of our financial information and mobile wallets.

Recognizing the risks to phone security
Over the next five years, the cost of cybercrime is predicted to increase by 15% yearly, reaching $10.5 trillion by 2025. Furthermore, a 2019 study discovered that mobile platforms account for 70% of online fraud. Taking the required precautions to safeguard your personal device from mobile dangers is therefore more important than ever.

There are multiple ways to target mobile devices. This covers the potential for malicious apps, network-level attacks, and the exploitation of flaws in mobile operating systems and devices.

Theft of corporate network login credentials is one of the hazards to mobile security. In fact, over the past year, there has been an 85% increase in mobile phishing assaults, which employ emails and messages to fool users into clicking on malicious URLs.

As mobile devices have become more important, cybercriminals have focused more on them. Consequently, there are now more cyberthreats aimed at these gadgets.

How to keep hackers away from your phone
Your phone serves as your lifeline and is more than simply a tool for making calls. Your phone is a prime target for hackers since it contains everything from social networking and personal information to banking and pictures. The good news? It doesn't have to be difficult to keep secure. To keep your phone and everything on it safe, heed these ten best practices.

1. Install a Robust Biometric Lock or Passcode
Let's begin with the most fundamental: your lock screen. The first line of security for your phone is a strong passcode or the use of biometrics like fingerprint or face recognition. Choose a more difficult-to-crack code instead of one that is obvious (like "1234").

Why it matters: In the event that your phone is lost or stolen, a sturdy lock screen keeps unauthorized access and prying eyes at bay.

Expert advice: Configure your phone to lock itself after a brief period of inactivity. Although it's simple to overlook, this might revolutionize security.

2. Make use of two-factor verification (2FA).
Despite having a strong password, your accounts may still be at risk. In order to confirm that you are the one logging in, 2FA adds an extra step, such as sending a code to your phone.

Why it matters: Even if hackers manage to obtain your password, 2FA prevents them from moving on.

Expert advice: Enable two-factor authentication on all significant accounts, such as your bank, social media, and email. Although it's easy to set up, it greatly protects your personal information.

3. Install Prey-style phone tracking apps.
The worst thing is losing your phone. To protect your information from hackers, you may locate it, lock it, or even remotely erase it using a monitoring app like Prey. Additionally, Prey allows you to trace the last known location of your phone, which can be extremely helpful.

Why it matters: Tracking apps can assist you in safeguarding your data and even recovering your phone in the event that it is lost or stolen.

Pro tip: To be prepared for the worst, make sure your phone's settings allow remote lock and erase capabilities.

4. Maintain an Up-to-Date Phone
We understand that the most inconvenient moments are always when those software update notices appear. However, they are significant! Security patches that keep your phone safe from the newest threats are frequently included in updates.

Why it matters: Hackers enjoy taking advantage of out-of-date software. You may keep your phone one step ahead of their scams by keeping it updated.

Expert advice: Enable automatic updates to keep your phone up to date without your conscious awareness.

5. Install Apps from Reliable Sources
Although downloading that new game from an unknown source could be alluring, the danger is not worth it. Stay with Google Play or the App Store, where apps are subjected to stricter security screening.

Why it matters: Apps from unreliable sources may contain malware that jeopardizes your personal information.

Pro tip: Prior to downloading an app, always read reviews and ratings. If something seems suspicious, follow your instincts and avoid it.

6. Examine the permissions for the app.
Have you ever wondered why certain apps want access to your GPS, contacts, or camera? Warning: they most likely don't. Develop the practice of checking app permissions and allowing access to just those that are absolutely required.

Why it matters: Keeping your personal data under control and protecting your privacy are two benefits of limiting app permissions.

Expert advice: Examine the permissions that each app has by going into your settings. Cut it off if it seems excessive!

7. When using public WiFi, use a VPN.
Does your favorite coffee shop offer free Wi-Fi? Lovely! However, keep in mind that public Wi-Fi is a hacker's paradise before you hop on. By encrypting your connection, a virtual private network, or VPN, protects your browsing from prying eyes.

Why it matters: Hackers could intercept your data over public Wi-Fi if you don't have a VPN.

Pro tip: Even with a VPN, don't use public Wi-Fi for important tasks like online banking. Being safe is preferable to being sorry.

8. Set up antivirus software.
Your phone is susceptible to virus infection, just like your laptop or desktop computer. By checking for malware and other dangers, installing antivirus software provides an additional degree of security.

Why it matters: Malware can be detected and eliminated by antivirus software before it has a chance to cause harm.

Pro tip: To ensure you're always protected, look for antivirus software that provide real-time scanning and protection.

9. Turn on remote locking and wiping.
You don't want your personal information to be accessible to whoever finds your phone if it is lost or stolen. You may protect your private information by using remote lock and wipe capabilities to lock your phone or remove all of your data.

Why it matters: Even when your phone is out of your hands, you can still operate it because to these capabilities.

Pro tip: For convenient access in case you require them, make sure these settings are activated and linked to your Apple or Google account.

10. When not in use, turn off NFC and Bluetooth.
It's advisable to turn off Bluetooth and NFC when not in use. If you leave these settings enabled, hackers may be able to access your phone without your knowledge.

Why it matters: If left on, Bluetooth and NFC can be weak points of entry, particularly in crowded public areas.

Expert advice: Make it a practice to switch things off when not in use. It's a tiny action that can significantly affect the security of your phone.

Threats to phone security to be aware of
Mobile security threats come in a wide variety. Even though cybersecurity professionals are constantly aware of new attacks, these are the most prevalent ones:

Mobile risks based on the web
Without our knowledge or consent, mobile websites have the ability to download malicious software onto our mobile devices. Attackers often use phishing to trick us into clicking on links to websites that contain mobile risks. For instance, in order to obtain our login credentials, a hacker might create a website that appears authentic, such as our banking website. How can web-based mobile dangers be addressed? Our phones' security software can assist in identifying phishing attempts and fraudulent websites. It also pays to pay closer attention and be more cautious. The IRS, for instance, will never email us to ask for our tax information. (They only use the US Postal Service.) You can pretty much count on an email directing you to an IRS website to be a scam.

App-based dangers
We download or even purchase harmful software made by hackers. Once loaded, these apps have the ability to spend our money using tap-and-pay apps or steal our data from our smartphones. Therefore, thoroughly reviewing charges and purchases is a smart practice. Since device manufacturers often update their software to fix vulnerabilities that these applications exploit, keeping mobile software up to date also helps protect against rogue apps. Protecting the data saved or accessed by the device—including social media accounts, documents, credentials, and personally identifiable information (PII)—is the aim.

In order to download the harmful component onto the phone, these bad actors occasionally hide behind popular and useful free apps that take advantage of security flaws or particular permissions. Therefore, it's crucial that an app's use be justified when it requests these rights.

Threats to networks
Typically, mobile devices are linked to two or more networks. and occasionally more. These include of GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular connections. Hackers can use any of these connections to take control of a device, deceive a user, or get access to a company network. For instance, WiFi spoofing is a threat when an attacker impersonates someone with access to an open WiFi network and fools users into connecting so they can sniff legitimate data that the network is handling.

Turning down unused antennas and ensuring that security settings are set up to block unwanted WiFi connection are recommended best practices.

Physical dangers
Due to their size, mobile phones are easily stolen. Regretfully, they too get misplaced rather frequently. Without proper device security, a thief can find a wealth of financial and personal data on a stolen mobile device. Physical threats to mobile devices can be reduced by using strong passwords and configuring the device to lock itself while not in use. Additionally, anti-theft tracking software aids in the recovery of a lost phone.

How can businesses put mobile security into practice?
Organizations that provide mobile devices to their employees or let them use their personal devices for work must first establish strong security measures and implement mobile security best practices. For CISOs and IT departments, the risks are simply too great to put mobile security as a lower priority. Based on our experience working with enterprises in mobile security, we recommend taking the following steps:

Clearly define your mobile usage guidelines.
Mobile security policies will ideally cover acceptable use, anti-theft measures, mandatory security settings, etc. In addition, the policy framework in organizations must include compliance monitoring and the remediation of deficiencies.

Segment data and apps on enterprise devices
It is an excellent practice to categorize mobile users into role-based groups with varying levels of access privilege. This practice reduces the exposed attack surface area if one device gets compromised. Segmenting applications will also prevent users from installing unwanted software that might infiltrate your network.

Many companies create their own BYOD (bring your own device) programs that keep company devices safe. To learn more, check out our article outlining best practices for BYODs.

Encrypt and minimize visibility into devices that have access to the company network
If a device gets compromised or stolen, it’s best if the malicious user cannot easily access data on the device. Nor should taking over a mobile device becomes a free pass to the enterprise network and its data. Achieving this objective involves using an identity and access management (IAM) system and data protection solutions.

Install security software on mobile devices
This is a basic, but essential countermeasure. SecOps teams should treat mobile devices like any other piece of hardware on the corporate network. Tools like mobile threat detection and device and data protection tools can aid security teams in keeping those devices secure.

Monitor user behavior
Mobile users often don’t know their devices are compromised or how sometimes they put themselves at risk. However, monitoring user behavior can reveal anomalies that could point to an underway attack. In addition, automated monitoring will also prove crucial when making sure attackers are not intruding on your organization’s mobile security policies.

Build mobile security awareness through training
People are accustomed to consumer-type freedoms on mobile devices. It’s a wise policy to build awareness of corporate security risks inherent in mobile technology. Security training programs ought to include the topic of keeping mobile devices secure, what activities belong in their enterprise devices (and which ones don’t), and what day-to-day practices they can implement to avoid falling victim to common threats. Educating your employees can save your company lots of money and reduce mobile security threats dramatically.

Mobile security for Android users
Only buy smartphones from vendors who issue patches for Android
Do not save all passwords
Use two-factor authentication
Take advantage of built-in Android security features
Make sure your WiFi network is secure (and be careful with public WiFi)
Use the Android security app
Back up your Android phone’s data
Buy apps only from Google Play
Encrypt your device
Use a VPN
Mobile security for iPhone users
Keep your iPhone operating system (iOS) up to date
Activate the “find my iPhone” feature
Set up a passcode longer than the 4-number preset
Enable two-factor authentication
Set the phone to “self-destruct” i.e. wipe itself after 10 failed password attempts
Regularly change your iCloud and iTunes passwords
Avoid public Wi-Fi and only use secure Wi-Fi
Use only trusted iPhone charging stations
Disable Siri on the iPhone lock screen
Revoke app permissions to use the camera, microphone, etc.
Takeaways
As hackers continue to target mobile devices, it’s time to take phone security and mobile security threats more seriously. Mobile devices are just as vulnerable, if not more vulnerable, than PCs and other types of computer hardware. They are exposed to threats in the form of malware, social engineering, web attacks, network attacks, and physical theft.

Whether you are in charge of an organization’s security, or you are looking to protect your own gadgets, be someone with a plan. Start with awareness training and robust security policies, and then move towards taking more technical countermeasures to mitigate the risk. 

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