It’s a fact we spend too much time on smartphones. Just in the UK, we are over 60 million mobile users. We are using smartphones for practically everything that is imaginable, from work to pay bills to binge-streaming; clicking, swiping and opening thousands of webpages daily.
And of course, that spending so much time on our phone browsing internet also makes vulnerable. We share data even when we sleep. This way, it’s easier to have your data exposed and even stolen, whether when we are online or answering an unidentified phone call.
Not to mention that everyone knows someone who knows someone that had the phone hacked already. As smartphones become more powerful and functional, the scammers also improve their tactics and ways of hacking your telephone.
One of the best and simplest methods of keeping your phone safe is ensuring you’re using a secure internet connection. Using WiFi hotspots when you’re out and about is an easy way to get your data stolen.
WiFi hotspots are rarely safe and all data such as passwords, usernames about bank details can and will be intercepted. If you’re using WiFi hotspots because your home internet just isn’t cutting it, then you can compare the best broadband deals in your area.
So, What are the other ways of making our smartphone totally hack-proofing? I have some tips on security that may be useful for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Table of Contents
Be careful when downloading apps (and files in general)
I’m guilty here because I love a new app and I usually download many of them. But I usually look for the reviews before and try to stick with the most popular and reliable ones. The risk of having your data stolen by malicious ones is huge.
Don’t answer unidentified numbers
I know this is a tricky one. But we all heard about a member of your family or friends that were nearly tricked by people trying to steal data or personal information before.
In Brazil, those phone calls are very common and those scammers usually try to convince you that one of your family members is in trouble. People end up giving them all personal information asked, even bank account numbers and pin codes.
Here in the UK, there is always someone phoning you to ask “if you’ were involved in a car accident recently”. It’s a scan. So, if you feel like someone from your family is in trouble, it’s better to check with them first, them trust one dodge phone call in the middle of the night.
Never call back numbers you don’t recognise. It’s dangerous and a step to have your phone and personal data racked.
Never visit websites provided in random text messages
Another common way of stealing your data is the text scam. Who never received random text messages that are “suppose to be” from a bank or a provided service like telephone companies, that claim you have to phone them back.
Don’t rely directly on this message. It’s very unlike that your bank or internet provider will contact you directly via text.
Track your Phone Activities and use strong passwords
These are obvious tips. Downloads, random text messages, suspicious updates and extra charges on the phone are enough reasons to suspect something is wrong with your appliance.
In this case, it’s always better to play safe and contact your broadband provider and protect your precious files. It’s always better to prevent than
Here’s an infographic with more 5 ways to prevent your phone from being hacked
Featured Image | Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash
Now in the UK, I keep writing and I dedicate myself to a new project : Midlands Trade - a blog focused on business in Europe and Brazil. It's also supporting small businesses throughout the #MeetTheBusiness.