7 steps to protect your phone from secret hacks

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Cybersecurity experts report that hackers are using Wi-Fi networks, smartphone applications, and other vulnerabilities to carry out cyber espionage, identity theft, and spread ransomware.

A Statista report revealed that the data of 353 million people was hacked in the United States last year, which prompted security experts to shed light on 7 steps that can be taken to protect a smartphone from hacking, which are:

1. Update software and applications

Hackers find secret ways to hack phones, including looking for vulnerabilities in existing software. But with every update, companies remove any potential vulnerabilities.

So, software and apps should be updated to prevent hackers from accessing your data, with the added caveat that they only work for some attacks, according to the National Security Agency (NSA).

This method prevents hackers from spying on calls, texts, and data and blocks most phishing attacks, which occur when targeted fraudulent emails are sent to steal sensitive information such as login credentials.

2. Install applications from official stores only

Smartphone users should be careful when installing applications, and make sure to download them only from official stores such as Google Play and the App Store.

Unofficial app stores include Aptoide, SlideMe, ACMarket, and Amazon Appstore.

Hackers often create a fake version of a legitimate app, giving them full access to your device once you download it, then install malware and share your data with third parties.

3. Turn off "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth"

Android and iPhone users should refrain from connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, as well as Bluetooth, especially since hackers are constantly searching for weak points, and leaving the Wi-Fi network turned on makes the device vulnerable to KRACK attacks. ", also called a key reinstallation attack, works by manipulating protected access to a Wi-Fi network through encryption keys, to create a secure connection that allows data to be stolen across the network when the hacker is within close range of the target.

Likewise, leaving Bluetooth turned on can lead to a BlueBorne attack, where a hacker takes control of your device without any user interaction.

4. Use encrypted voice, text and data applications

Encrypted voice, text, and data apps can help prevent hackers from accessing your personal information, by turning your communications into code.

WhatsApp is one of the most popular encryption applications, followed by Telegram, which provides end-to-end encryption (a method that keeps phone calls, messages, and other data private, including the app itself).

However, even encrypted applications are not 100% safe from attacks.

5. Do not click on links or open attachments

Hackers can access your personal information in one of two ways: by keylogging or using a Trojan horse.

Keylogging software works like a stalker that tracks your every move, allowing it to access real-time information, and even listen in on your phone conversations.

As for the Trojan horse, it is an invisible malicious program that is used to extract important data, including your credit card account details and Social Security information if it is saved on your phone.

“Falling into social engineering tactics, such as responding to unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information, can lead to account compromise and identity theft,” Oliver Page, CEO of cybersecurity firm Cybernut, told Forbes.

He continued: "Trusting phone calls or messages without verifying them can lead to serious consequences, as fraudsters manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information or taking actions that threaten their security."

6. Reboot your device every week

Smartphones should be turned off and on once a week, to prevent phishing scams.

Turning off the phone resets all open web pages and applications and logs you out of bank accounts, to prevent cybercriminals from accessing sensitive information.

7. Block out sound and cover the camera

You should install a system to distort the microphone sound and prevent hackers from hearing your conversations through applications, or any external cyber attack.

The back and front cameras should also be covered on both Android and iPhone devices, because hackers can turn the mobile phone camera on and off and save media from the camera roll if they gain access to your phone.