TechRadar reports that mobile malware threats doubled last year, with more than a 100 million attacks on private users, compared to the 66.4 million in 2017. The most common cyber attacks are data sniffing, insecure apps, and scams involving fake “gifts”. Since nowadays nearly everyone owns a mobile phone, practically everyone is at risk from cyber threats.
Legal experts Special Counsel detail how mobile phones collect huge amounts of data, the same way your computer does. When you’re not vigilant about the apps and emails you open and install on your phone, you are more likely to become a victim of these potential threats. Data misuse is one of the most pressing issues when it comes to mobile security threats.
To avoid falling victim to these crimes, it’s smart to change some of your mobile phone habits.
Tips to prevent cyber threats
For one, it’s wise to make sure you change your password regularly. Our article ‘Survey Reveals Generation Gap on Mobile & Online Security, Privacy’ explains that many both Millennials and Gen-Xers never change their passwords unless prompted. Recent studies also reveal Gen-Xers tend not to use passwords to protect their phones.
Prize your passwords
Whatever your age, taking your password for granted can cost you more than simply updating it every few months or so. When you create a password, include numbers, symbols, capital letters, and lowercase letters — and make sure it’s at least 12 characters long.
Also, use a different password for every site or service, and avoid saving your passwords on your phone and computer.
You also need to update your knowledge about the latest cyber threats so you know how to identify them if they happen to you. The Balance lists some of the most common threats including botnets, which drive spam emails, or malicious apps, where hackers use your account to buy apps without your permission.
To that end, you should always check your bank and phone statements for any suspicious purchases made from your phone.
Practice safe software
It’s also important that you update your mobile phone’s software as soon as possible, because updates contain “cures”, security fixes, and patches. Double check the apps that you download before providing them access to your phone.
If you see anything about your phone that starts to look weird or out of the ordinary, then it’s best to uninstall apps you’ve recently downloaded, as there might be some form of malware in them.
Don’t save your personal data
If you use your phone to make purchases online, browse and shop smart by refraining from saving your card information and your passwords on your phone, and even on your computer. The New Daily reveals that around 30% of shoppers have fallen victim to cybercrime in the past year.
So although it can be tedious having to type the numbers, passwords, and security codes over and over again, that’s still one of the safest ways to protect yourself from cyber-criminals.
Cybercrime expert Julian Plummer told The New Daily that users are more relaxed about mobile security when in fact they shouldn’t be. “As mobile becomes increasingly de rigueur, the security risk to consumers will only rise,” he warned.
Always encrypt
When it comes to the messaging apps on your phone, choose ones that offer encryption, or look for an encryption provider. Techaeries notes that the best encryption solutions don’t come as apps, but as special protocols.
Encryption reduces the functionality of a smartphone when it comes to sending and receiving messages. Such a limited functionality ensures that hackers will not be able to install any form of malware on your phone through your messages.
When you add all of these smart security practices to your regular mobile device habits, you’ll feel a lot more confident that your phones and tablets are safe from the latest cyber threats.
