Almost everybody has smartphones today. In fact, these devices are easily the most common form of technology that everybody has access to. But with its growing users, other dangers are also increasing. Malware, hackers, and viruses can easily attack your smartphones today. While cybersecurity is increasing and there are new ways to increase digital protection, it’s still not enough. Hackers and malware find new ways to attack such devices. Malware can exist in the form of Worms, Viruses, Bots and Botnets, Adware, Scams, or Spyware.
But don’t worry. All hope isn’t lost. There are still simple ways you can protect your devices against such malware and hackers. Below are all the ways that can help you.
Table of Contents
Don’t Keep Easy Passwords
This one sounds like a no-brainer. Yes. But you’d be surprised by the number of people that get hacked because of easy passwords. It’s the easiest way hackers and malware can find your device. So, don’t make this simple mistake. Make sure you create passwords that are long and hard to guess. Also, make sure these passwords don’t contain answers to easy questions.
For instance, don’t base a password on your name, your city, or your school Which makes them easy to guess. Your password should have a capital and a regular letter. Also, add special characters like exclamation marks. Now, the next part is very important. Make sure you never use the same password for more than one account or app. Each site should have a different password. If this isn’t the case, hackers easily guess other passwords and can hack into every account you own. This will greatly endanger your data and your device.
Enable Two Factor Authentication/Verification
Technology is coming up with new ways to keep you and your devices safe. And it’s best enjoyed with Altice One Optimum. So, you would want to keep it that way. Right!
Two Factor Authentication or 2FA is a feature used by many applications. This is recent. And was launched after the rise in cybercrime. With this method of authentication, hacking becomes hard. 2FA enables a kind of double security feature. This means that along with your password, you can access another security step. This will send you a confirmation code on either your mobile number or email address. Sometimes, it will just ask you to enter it directly on whatever app you’re using. While this feature was not very well known until a few years ago, it’s very important today. Here are the popular apps and websites that offer 2FA.
- Microsoft Authenticator
- Google Authenticator
- LastPass Authenticator
Also, social media sites use Two Factor Authentication. These include Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, WhatsApp, and Dropbox.
Avoid Giving Out Personal Information Online
This is just the online version of ‘don’t talk to strangers. But it’s great advice. When you’re careful about revealing private information, you keep your data safe. Along with your mobile phone. Today, hackers are getting sneakier. They’re coming up with new ways to hack into your systems. Similarly, malware can access your smartphone easily too. So, avoid interactions that look suspicious. And if you’re playing games online, be extra careful to not disclose such information. Because this is one of the most common ways hackers can get to you. Some common questions that you should be careful of online are:
- Your name
- Date of birth
- Your address
- Bank details
Install Anti-Virus Software
Installing anti-virus software means that you’re taking the first step towards cybersecurity. Anti-virus software protects your devices against all malware, hackers, and viruses. It also keeps scanning your device for any unusual activity. If it finds anything, it alerts you instantly. This also keeps you on the lookout. But make sure you download the right software. Today, the internet also has a lot of anti-virus applications that are actually scams. So, be wary of this. Here are some top-rated applications you can use:
- Bitdefender Antivirus Plus
- Norton 360 With LifeLock
- Webroot SecureAnywhere
- McAfee Antivirus Plus
- Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security
Avoid Using Public Wireless Connections
Public Wi-Fi connections sound like the greatest gift to mankind. You can easily access the internet wherever you go. Today, they’re available in cafes, hotels, libraries, airports, etc. But it’s not all good news. Public wireless networks increase your chances of getting attacked digitally. Your device can get threatened by viruses and malware. This is because public WIFI’s have settings you don’t know about. You aren’t aware of what it allows and what it forbids. Plus, the hackers in the local areas can get easy access to your data.
