Dealing with smartphone hackers is scary. However, there are 7 simple ways to stay two steps ahead from these invisible digital criminals.
By checking app permissions, you’re ensuring the app you just installed is legitimate and only wants access to specific things in order for the mobile application to work ー nothing more, nothing less.
Don’t give away any unnecessary permissions that might be irrelevant to the app, like location, personal contacts, or microphone.
Consider investing in a trusted security software like Norton Mobile Security. Norton Mobile Security, for example, will automatically check apps for potential privacy risks, high battery and data usage or intrusive behavior before you even download them.
In layman’s terms, encryption is a way of rearranging data, for example, words, so that only authorized users can understand the information. This process makes it impossible for an unauthorized, third-party to read or decipher.
Encryption is always something to look for in messaging apps, especially.
You should always back up your phone in the worst case scenario that you do get hacked or your phone gets stolen.
To back up your phone, view the Settings app and go to System > Backup. You should see an option to “Back up to Google Drive.” If this is turned off, turn it on.
When backup is turned on, your phone will automatically back up important information such as:
Consider using Dumpster to backup your photos!
Audit your privacy settings in the apps you use every month or on a regular basis. Monitoring your privacy settings for good health is one of the easiest ways to make sure nothing shady looking slips through the cracks.
Disable any location tracking permissions that may be turned on. If you do need to use this feature for a maps or ride-sharing app, it should only be turned on while the app is in use. By constantly leaving location tracking on, you give app developers unnecessary information about your whereabouts almost 24/7.
Browse the internet safely! Ensure you’re only using trusted browsers like Chrome, Duck Duck Go, Firefox, etc.
