FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) recently revealed ten ways Apple or Android owners could protect their smartphones from hackers. These tips, designed by the US intelligence, aim to reduce the rapidly increasing cybercrime cases. Additionally, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), National Security Agency (NSA), and authorities from Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the UK agreed with these methods. The list involves multi-factor authentication to prevent users’ info or money from getting stolen. Here are some of the ways hackers use to exploit accounts and hack devices –
1. Always set up multi-factor authentication.
Nowadays, almost all social media accounts and online banking methods offer multi-factor authentication options. Thus, makes sure to set it up from the settings section. It will protect a user’s account with extra steps in the login process, acting as an additional hurdle for hackers.
2. Avoid providing more access permissions.
Security experts say that having more people on the access permission list for personal data can be harmful. Additionally, huge organizations and companies should especially keep this in mind. The fewer people who have access to confidential and vital company data, the lesser the risk of getting hacked.
3. Keep up with software updates.
Many people tend to either forget to update their software or delay it to a later date. However, users must keep their software up to date to avoid cybercrimes. The reason is that software updates come with bug fixes for devices. And if these bugs are left unattended, they can be exploited by hackers. Hence, users can protect their smartphones and other devices like laptops from hackers with regular updates.
4. Avoid using default logins and passwords.
It is best to never use a default login or password for any apps or devices. The reason is that they are too easy for cybercriminals to guess. Therefore, changing passwords often can help protect accounts, smartphones, or devices from hackers. Also, avoid using obvious passwords like birthdates or the name of pets or loved ones and change them to something unique and unusual.
5. Stay away from unnecessary VPNs
VPNs or virtual private networks are useful when browsing the internet. However, they make users vulnerable to attacks from cybercriminals. Therefore, users should be careful with what VPN they choose to use. In addition, some VPNs do not have enough power to protect users’ smartphones or devices from hackers.
6. Set up a strong password
It is equally important to set up a strong password to protect accounts and devices as it is to avoid using default ones. Additionally, many sites recommend passwords to ensure proper account safety, like adding more numbers and symbols. Thus, users should use them to protect their accounts and devices.
7. Be careful of cloud services.
Before saving personal data and information to a cloud service, users should ensure that it’s protected. For instance, Apple’s iCloud is pretty secure. However, some cloud apps can make users prone to attacks by hackers. Additionally, users should be careful with what they upload to the cloud and to who they give access.
8. Avoid ‘misconfigured services’
All the services have a responsibility to protect their users’ information. Previous research by IBM Security X-Force revealed that about two-thirds of cloud security incidents could be avoided using appropriate security policies.
9. Be wary of phishing scams.
Users must avoid emails or texts with suspicious links even if the link seems essential. The reason is that scammers rely on scaring or convincing users that they will receive something good. Phishing scams are easy to spot due to spelling mistakes, incorrect use of names, and weird email addresses.
10. Use endpoint detection
Endpoint detection is the last method users can use to protect their smartphones from hackers. It detects threats that bypass previous barriers so that users can try and block them before it spreads. However, users must have strong security software to employ all the methods mentioned above.
