The more people do with their smart phones, the more criminals will look to hack into these devices. Just as we must protect our computers, we must now take precautions when using our cell phones. Below is an interesting video from NBC’s Today show that illustrates how hackers can use apps to take control of your phone, and then there are some ways to determine if you have been hacked and some extra tips to keep your phone and information safe. Finally, there is another interesting video on hacking cell phones.
Keep yourself, your belongings, and your information safe!
Cell Phone Hacking Apps from Today show:
How to Find Out if You Are a Victim of Cell Phone Hacking
Here are a few signs to find out if you are a victim of cell phone hacking.
The first thing to do is to pay attention to any sounds made during calls on your phone. If you hear strange, unfamiliar clicking sounds in the background of the conversation, or notice that you, or the caller’s voice is echoing, or notice any white noise, this can definitely be an indication that someone is trying to connect, hack and listen in.
If your phone lights up all by itself even when you are not using it then check it out. If it turns on, or off by itself be sure to check that out as well. Some phones can be controlled through remote access via radio control.
Feel your phone and its battery to see if they are excessively hot. If they are hot when you touch them then chances that spyware software is being put to use on your phone.
Be sure to check your phone bill and keep track of all charges. If you are charged double, or triple for every call or text you made, it means that spyware is being used to send your transactions to other persons and websites. Your information is then downloaded, your number is accessed and other people are running up your bill by using your number.
Prevent Cell Phone Hacking
Just as I teach you to be responsible for your own personal security and how to defend yourself, I also recommend taking proactive steps to protect yourself against cell phone hacking. Many measures, just like keeping yourself safe, involve common sense. But remember, commons sense is not always commonly practiced.
Here are a few things you can do, but also remember that taking things too far will defeat the purpose of having a smartphone in the first place.
- Don’t leave your phone unattended in a public place.
- Be sure to change the default password that comes with a new phone to something more complex (resist the usual “1234,” “0000” and 2580)
- Avoid using unprotected Bluetooth networks and turn off your Bluetooth service when you aren’t using it.
- Use a protected app to store pin numbers and credit cards, or better yet, don’t store them on the phone at all.
- Avoid accessing important locations such as bank accounts via public Wi-Fi that may not be secure.
- Turn off your auto complete feature so critical personal data isn’t stored on the phone and must be re-entered every time you need it.
- Regularly delete your browsing history, cookies and cache so your virtual footprint is not available for prying eyes.
- If you have an iPhone, you can enable Find My iPhone in your settings, and it will locate your phone if you misplace it before the hackers can lay their paws on it.
- Use a security app that increases protection.
- Keep your phone close to you and secure it in a place that is difficult for thieves to get to. Use a case, or strap near to you rather than something easy to snatch. Thieves will think twice before they steal your phone if you have it secured safely.
- If you suspect that your phone has been hacked, or if you phone is stolen, be sure to contact your service provider right away. This can save you spending money from unauthorized use of your phone. Before you purchase your phone, ask your carrier if they provide insurance against this. Finding out afterward will make you liable.
- Use a strong password to lock, or unlock your phone before your (or anyone else) can use it. Make sure it is a strong password and not something (like a phrase) commonly known to everyone.
- Hacking through Bluetooth is one of the fastest and easiest ways for anyone to get to your phone. It doesn’t take a crack criminal to hack through this vein. Be sure to turn your blue tooth off unless you are using it, this will prevent wireless intrusion.
- If anti-virus software is available for your phone download it and keep it updated. Be sure to ask your service provider if this software is available for your phone and, also, check your phone manual to see if there is software for your phone. As simple as downloading a link from email on your phone can cause it to pick up a virus, so anti-virus software should be considered.
- Be aware of what apps you download and where you are downloading them from.
Another Video On Cell Phone Hacking: