It’s good to be on the safe side when it comes to your phone and all of the info you have stored in there. Passwords are effective, but they can’t totally protect you. Taking extra security steps is never a bad idea. Follow these steps from the NSA to stay safe:
Restart your phone once a week – This is so simple. Restarting your phone every week can help protect you against “zero-click” attemps, where a hacker can get in without you clicking on a link or opening a file.
Disable Bluetooth when not in use – Is your Bluetooth always on? Hackers and scammers nearby can use it to hijack your phone.
Skip public USB ports – Hackers can use them to install malware or steal your data. It’s rare in the U.S., but it’s still a threat. When you need to recharge, use your own adapter in a public power outlet.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi – As you know, public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, which makes it a target for scammers. Hackers may create fake networks with names similar to certain businesses. So, if you’re at a business, ask someone who works there for the specific name of their Wi-Fi network, just to be safe.
Cover your mic and camera – This one is a little more difficult. The NSA says it’s good to use some sort of protective case that drowns your phone’s microphone and covers your camera when not in use. When you physically block the sound or camera feed, it’s the only unhackable layer of security.
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