Hackers Want to Hack Your Phone

Short on time? Check out our infographic that sums it all up here.

Take a second to open a new tab and Google “cell phone hacking”. What do most of the results look like? Are they tips on how to prevent your phone from being hacked? News stories about a mass phone hacking scandal? Nope. Most of the results are detailed instructions on how to hack someone’s phone.

Wait what?! Most of us keep our entire lives on our cell phones. If information on how to hack them is so readily available, shouldn’t you learn how to protect yourself? Let’s take a look at how hackers hack your phone and then common sense measures you can take to protect it.

How hackers access your device

Malware

Malware has evolved from just a PC catastrophe to a mobile device nightmare. Just like on your computer, you can be tricked into accidentally downloading malware, often disguised as a hot new game or productivity app.

Denial of Service Attacks

DOS attacks once only focused on computers, but are now spreading to mobile devices. These attacks flood a targeted system to make resources unavailable to legitimate users, like you.

Synchronization

Much like a flash drive or external hard drive, your mobile device can act as another storage device for your music, files, or photos. When you sync your mobile with your PC, malware can be transferred from your computer to your phone, or vice versa.

Bluetooth Attacks

Thanks to consistent firmware updates, these types of attacks are rare but it is still possible for hackers to access your data by working their way into your phone via an open Bluetooth connection.

Phishing

With the ability to check your inbox on the go, traditional email phishing attacks can cause harm to your device. There are also SMiShing attacks that target mobile users via text message by asking you to divulge personal information, visit a dangerous website, call an unfamiliar number, or download an illegitimate app. An example is below:

Tips to protect yourself

Never leave your phone unattended. Keeping your phone on you is a no-brainer. if you leave your phone out in the open, anyone can access any unprotected information on your phone, install spy apps, or steal your data by physically taking your phone.
Update your phone. Just like a computer, it’s important to update your phone frequently to ensure it has the newest security patches and bug fixes.
Protect your phone with a passcode. Passcodes aren’t foolproof but they are a deterrent. If your phone came with a default code, change it.
Use Bluetooth smartly. From bluejacking to bluesnarfing to bluebugging (yes, those are real names), there are a multitude of methods for attackers to access your phone via Bluetooth. Turn off your Bluetooth capability when you aren’t using it and don’t use unprotected networks.
Enable Find My Device/iPhone. This feature can be a lifesaver. If you have an Android or iPhone, Find My Device/iPhone locates your phone if you happen to lose it. You can also remotely lock it so if someone does find it before you do, they can’t access what’s on it.
Securely store your passwords and PINs. Go to your Settings and check that your saved passwords are passcode protected. And for the love of god, don’t write your passwords or PINs in Notes.
Don’t assume public WiFi is safe. Most public networks don’t have any security measures standing between your personal data and hackers.
Routinely wipe your browsing history, cookies, and cache. Deleting these items will reduce the amount of data that attackers could use against you.

For more tips and tricks, check out our post Use These 4 Things to Keep Your Phone Safe.

Ask us about our mobile protection services.

As mobile attacks grow and evolve, you need a mobile protection suite that does the same.

Stay Safe

How hackers access your device

Malware

Denial of Service Attacks

Synchronization

Bluetooth Attacks

Phishing

Tips to protect yourself

Ask us about our mobile protection services.

Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

https://www.business.att.com/learn/tech-advice/5-ways-hackers-get-to-your-mobile-device.html

How hackers access your device

Malware

Denial of Service Attacks

Synchronization

Bluetooth Attacks

Phishing

Tips to protect yourself

Ask us about our mobile protection services.

Icons made by Freepik from www.flaticon.com

https://www.business.att.com/learn/tech-advice/5-ways-hackers-get-to-your-mobile-device.html

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