Best ways to security your smartphone from hack

I'll show you the best ways to protect smartphones from hacking:

1. Regular and ongoing updates:

When it comes to protecting yourself from hackers, the first step is always to install software updates once they are properly available on smartphones like on computers, the update can be a cumbersome and long process, sometimes bringing annoying changes to the interface you're used to. However, large proportions of hackers who succeed in penetrating exploit weaknesses that have already been corrected by updates.

2. Always be careful when installing any application:

When installing a smartphone app, you may be asked to give it different permissions, including the ability to read your files, access the camera or listen to the microphone. There are legitimate uses of this potential, but they are likely to be vulnerable to exploitation by hackers, think before approving the application. This is especially true for Android users, as Google's app screening process is not as rigorous as Apple's, and there were reports of harmful apps remaining months on the Play Store before they were discovered and removed.

Android also lets you install outsourced apps: This allows services like Amazon's rival Appstore to work, but it also offers an easy way for malicious apps used by hackers to access your phone. It is strongly advised not to install anything from an unfamiliar website.

3. Review what is on the phone:

Even if the apps on your phone seem simple and secure when installed, subsequent updates may have turned them into something more dangerous. Set aside a certain time to review all apps on your smartphone, and find out what permissions they use: on iOS, you'll find a lot of relevant information within Settings > Privacy.

On Android OS, it's hard to get an overview of which apps have permissions, but there are plenty of security apps that help here, including free packages from Avast and McAfee. These tools can also alert you if you're trying to install a notoriously harmful app that could be relevant to the hack, and warn you if the fraudulent attack is trying to trick you into entering a password into an unreliable app or web page.

4. Make it difficult for thieves:

If thieves have physical access to your phone, it can cause a lot of problems for a start, maybe your email app has a bunch of personal information. Make sure you lock your phone when it's not in use: both Android and iOS can be set to order a six-digit passcode. Your device may also provide other options, such as fingerprints or facial recognition. These methods are not ideal - a professional thief can copy your fingerprints from a drink cup, or trick the camera with a picture of you but they are much better than nothing.

Be wary of "smart unlock" features, which automatically unlock your phone when you're at home, or when your smartwatch is close; These can allow a thief to bypass your unlock code completely.

5. Be ready to track and lock your phone if it is stolen:

Plan ahead, even if your phone is stolen, you know your data is secure. One option is to set your phone to automatically erase itself after a certain number of incorrect attempts to enter the passcode.

If this sounds a little tricky, don't forget that both Apple and Google run "Find My Device" services that can locate your phone on the map and lock it or scan it remotely. For Apple users, this is accessed through the iCloud website - you can verify that it is enabled on the phone in settingsiCloud

Find My iPhone. Android users can access Google service on google.co.uk/android/devicemanager. You can also make a missing phone ring - helpful to draw attention to the thief, or track down the phone that has only been misled.

6. Do not leave online services unlocked:

Automatic login is a very convenient feature, especially since the virtual keyboard can make password writing a routine process. It's also very dangerous, the hacker simply needs to open your browser to access all your online accounts.

Therefore, ideally, you should not use automatic login features at all. If necessary, use a password manager app that requires you to re-enter a key password regularly. The same password is not used for more than one application or service: if this password is discovered, it can be used to access a full range of private information. This applies even if you are fully keen to keep your smartphone safe: hackers regularly break into online services to steal user credentials, which they then try on other sites.

8. Beware of open wifi networks:

Everyone knows that there is a risk of using an open wireless network. But you may not realize how dangerous it is, anyone in the vicinity can intrude on what you're doing online. This type of attack requires specialized programs and skills, so it is unlikely to pose a risk, but it is not a risk that can be ignored

It is preferable to commit to mobile internet connectivity. Or use a VPN tool such as CyberGhost or TunnelBear (both are freely available for Android and iOS). These tools direct your traffic through a special encrypted channel, so even if someone monitors your traffic, they will not be able to see what you intend to do.