How to Hack-Proof Your Smartphone
You’re always hearing about the latest cybercrimes. Data breaches, ransomware and phishing attacks are constantly in the headlines these days.
And it's not just criminals trying to break into your gadget. The CIA, for example, has been rumored to be hacking smartphones, TVs and other items to spy on us for years. Knowing that seemingly everyone is after your personal information, it's a good idea to take safety precautions.
Here are ways to hack-proof your smartphones to keep your data safe.
1. Update your software.
One of the most important safety precautions for a smartphone user is to keep the phone’s operating system (OS) up to date. It's important because when OS vulnerabilities are discovered, updates are sent out that contain patches for those flaws.
That makes it critical to install OS updates at once. Here how to update both Apple iOS and Android OS:
Apple. Go into your "Settings" app and select "General." From there, select "Software Update" and your iPhone will begin to check for updates. Then select "Download and Install." phone clean, erase all your phone data and reset your lock screen passcode.
4. Only download trusted apps.
When downloading an app, make sure it's from a trusted source. Third-party apps don't go through the rigid security checks that apps found in Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store do. That means third-party apps could be malicious and infect your phone with malware. Here are some ways to avoid being infected by a malicious app:
• App stores - Stay away from third-party app stores. There have been a few examples of malicious apps in the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store, but they are very rare. Third-party app stores do little vetting of apps, making it easier for scammers to spread malware there.
• Apps' developer - Verify the name of the app developer. Copycat apps will have a different developer's name than the actual one. Before downloading an app, do a Google search to find the original developer.
• Reviews - Most popular apps will have reviews by other users in the app store. You can sometimes find reviews by experts online. These are helpful at pointing out malicious or faulty apps. If you find a review warning the app is malicious, do not