With the number of smartphone users increasing and applications becoming more and more popular, the number of those falling prey to mobile hackers is also on the rise. And this is one issue which is overlooked by most smartphone users.
Many people still find it hard to believe the power that a smartphone commands. Most smartphone handsets are more powerful when compared to desktops. Because of this, it appears impossible that a similar set of vulnerabilities that computers face almost everyday, would pose as a threat to the mobile phone.
Smartphones are part of our everyday life and most online transactions, including banking, are carried out through it. Scammers and hackers are thus always on the prowl to capture valuable information out of a smartphone.
Smartphone users usually indulge in increased internet activity and it's quite possible for them to click on a malicious link which captures valuable personal details like the username and password of an online baking account. While the link itself may look innocuous, the harm has already been done and information has already passed on to the hackers.
Another recent activity being carried by scammers and hackers is the creation of applications that can be freely downloaded from several online stores. These applications comprise a virus. Once the application is downloaded and installed on the smartphone, the virus becomes active. Moreover, there are many applications that cause the user to send text messages at a premium rate, often costing up to £5 per message, without the user knowing anything about it. Such a type of scam is quite rampant these days and has shocked several subscribers at the end of the month.
These security threats, however, aren't entirely unavoidable. First, buy or download applications only from a genuine and authorized online store. This would significantly reduce the chances of being a victim to scams. Also, never try to pilfer with the smartphone. This could lead to someone running unauthorized software on your handset and chances are high that such software could be consisting of malicious elements. Besides, pilfering the handset would nullify the manufacturer warranty.
One must exert proper precaution while using the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth facility on the smartphone handset. The Wi-Fi of the smartphone must never be accessed from any unsecured location and both the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be switched off after use. These will prevent hackers from accessing your phone. Keeping the Bluetooth on for a long time can greatly reduce the battery life of your phone.
A good way to keep hackers and scammers at bay is to install good anti-virus software on your smartphone. The software will prevent any malicious program from entering your phone. Many updated anti-virus software also prevents pirated applications from being installed on your handset. But make sure that you always install genuine anti-virus software and not any copied version.
A little bit of cautiousness and prudence on your part can save your smartphone from falling prey to hackers. Always check your monthly smartphone bill for ensuring that there's no suspicious activity.
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