How can I keep my phone safe from hackers

Top tips to keep your phone safe from hackers:

1. Never give out personal information
Do not share any sensitive information about yourself or others over social media platforms. There have been many instances where people have had their personal information stolen. Your phone number should never be given out unless you are sending someone a direct message. If you do wish to send someone a direct message via text message, make sure to use the “direct message” feature instead of just texting them. Doing this can help protect your identity somewhat. If you want to talk to someone directly on social media platforms, create a face-to-face conversation using a different method than messaging.

2. Turn off location services
If you plan on going anywhere near public places, turn off your location settings. While some apps may rely on your location to work properly, others may also access your location data without asking permission.

3. Use a password manager
Don’t ever write down your passwords. Instead, use a password manager that helps you remember all your details and generates random passwords for you. Once you’ve logged into your account, you won’t need to worry about remembering your username and passwords anymore. Password managers are especially useful if you have more than one internet connection and/or device. For example, if you’re using Gmail on both your laptop and mobile device, having your login credentials saved automatically will save you time when logging back onto each device later on.

4. Avoid clicking links in messages
The best way to avoid being hacked is by not clicking on malicious links within emails and texts. Hackers often embed links in these types of communications to trick you into downloading malware. Instead of simply forwarding a link, open the email in a new tab or window so you don’t accidentally click on anything while reading the original message.

5. Only download games from official app stores
When installing an Android app, always ensure that it was downloaded from the Google Play Store. Be wary of third-party app stores, which could potentially harm your device. Apps found outside of the official store may contain unwanted programs or additional features that aren’t compatible with your device. Any apps that ask for unnecessary permissions should be avoided.

6. Update your software regularly
Keeping up with software updates can help protect you from cyber threats. Most major operating systems have automatic software updates and security patches. These patches are designed to fix vulnerabilities that attackers exploit to gain access to your system. It’s recommended that you update your OS as soon as possible after an update becomes available.

7. Keep your computer updated
On Windows computers, make sure that you have installed the latest version of Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE). MSE is a free antivirus program that protects against viruses, spyware, rootkits, and other malware. On Macs, the Antivirus application comes preinstalled and provides basic protection. However, the default setting does not provide complete protection. Ensure that you’ve installed the most recent version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium for maximum protection. This premium edition offers real-time protection and regular scans to identify potential threats before they become harmful.

8. Regularly update your software

Make sure you have the latest updates to your phone’s software, as these will include security patches that will help protect your device from hackers.

9. Keep your phone disconnected from the internet

To ensure that your phone is completely protected from hackers, disconnect it from the internet altogether. This can be done by turning off wireless connections and using a carrier or USB data only mode for safety.

10. Only use trusted apps

Only install apps from well-known developers or websites with a high reputation for security. There are malicious app developers who create fake security apps in order to steal personal information.

11. Use two-factor authentication

This is another way to beef up your phone’s security against hackers. In addition to a password, you will also need to provide a second form of identification such as a code sent to your mobile device via text or an application on the device itself.

12. Avoid downloading shady or unverified apps

There are many shady and unverified apps available on the app store that could download malware onto your device and give access to sensitive information like contacts and other personal data. Be sure to read the reviews before downloading any app, and stay away from anything that seems too good to be true!