Smartphone technology can be considered relatively new when compared to other forms of computers. As a result, there is still a lot that the general public does not know about these devices, which is a shame since almost everyone is walking around with one in their pocket.
A majority of this ignorance refers to the capabilities of the smartphone; however, there are some crucial details that you should know, such as the possible security issues that come from using these devices.
Your best defense against a security breach is knowledge, so read on to find out what security issues you may face when using a modern smartphone.
1. Unsecure Wi-Fi
One of the main benefits of smartphone technology is that it allows you to browse the internet while on the move. You can do so by connecting to the different Wi-Fi spots that are about the place. Most of these connections should have the correct security protocols in place; however, there is such a thing as an unsecured wi-fi connection.
Unsecured Wi-Fi does not have any digital security in place which makes anyone that connects to these servers vulnerable to cyberattack. You could lose your personal data, your passwords, or lose access to your device by connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi, so make sure you stay alert when browsing on the go.
A secure Wi-Fi connection will display a closed padlock next to the search bar, so do not attempt to use any Wi-Fi that does not feature this symbol.
2. Spyware
Spyware is a type of software that can affect a standard PC; however, it is becoming more prevalent on smartphones the more that they are used. This software is downloaded onto your phone to monitor the information that passes through your device without your knowledge.
Pro Tip: Key signs that you have a spyware problem include poor performance, excess data use, and poor battery life.
You will need to send your phone away for a reset if spyware ends up on your phone, and it usually finds its way onto people’s phones via unsecured Wi-Fi. Again, make sure you are using a reliable connection when you are using the web outside your home.
3. Data Leaks
A data leak on your phone can be disastrous depending on what type of information is on your phone. This malware can release your bank information, your photos, or your passwords to other accounts if you are not careful.
The biggest cause of a data leak is downloading a malicious app. This is an app that hasn’t undergone the rigorous application security testing that is performed by companies like ForAllSecure.
Some apps will not look harmful to the average person, and some of the apps may be placed in your phone by harmful bodies. To ensure that you do not have any malicious apps on your phone, follow the process below.
First, head to settings and click on apps and notifications. Tap on the ‘see all’ option and scroll through the apps on the screen. If you see any that you do not recognize then you should delete them immediately.
Performing this process once a month should keep your smartphone safe from an unwanted data leak.
4. Social Engineering
A social engineering attack is another type of virus that can also affect your PC. The only difference between this type of security breach is that it is often spread to your devices through malicious emails.
A hacker can send you an attachment via an email and once you open it the social engineering software will get to work. It is a clever kind of malware with the ability to click on the URLs of malicious websites, open more unwanted attachments, and release your data.
Therefore, you should always be cautious about emails from people you do not recognize. If an email looks harmful, you should delete it immediately.
5. Password Management
Every site or online subscription requires you to save a password that will give you access to your account in the future. These are necessary to keep your data safe, but it is easy to lose track of all your different passwords.
Most people will choose to use the same password for everything to keep things simple. Unfortunately, this approach is one of the biggest causes of leaked information. If a hacker manages to decrypt just one of your passwords, the chances are they will have access to all your password-encrypted data.
Therefore, you should ensure that you use a variety of passwords for every new account that you create. If you struggle to remember these, use a password manager to keep your passwords stored but safe from a potential leak.
Conclusion
Smartphones come ready to fight off any viruses or bugs; however, there are some smart people out there with the ability to work around these systems. Make sure that you stay safe by following the advice above.
You don’t have to change your behavior too much, just try to be cautious.