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Most Common Smartphone Hacks Revealed

Most Common Smartphone Hacks Revealed
Paul
  • On March 30, 2019

Online security is a matter that most users overlook, yet, it is vital for our online presence. Security is not only limited to cybersecurity but also our devices, be it our PCs or our smartphones. The security for our devices, especially our smartphones has deteriorated with savvy digital thieves always lurking, ready to prey on any vulnerable users. Most of these attackers target your sensitive data while some of them do it to satisfy their egos. Whatever the reason, they put users at the risk of losing their valuable data.

Whenever harmful files such as malware sneak into your device without your knowledge, they can cause harm to your operating system and even corrupt vital files. Trojans are also known for hiding in the operating system of smartphones and PCs and can infect an operating system even for months.

Let’s take a look at some of the common hacks that attackers use to get to your device:

1.Man-In-The-Middle Attack

With this hack, a malicious user gets in between a connection between two parties in a network, impersonates one or both parties and gains any data they are interested in from either party. They can also send any malicious files to any of the users in the network in a bid to collect their data or spy their online activity.

Man-in-the-middle is a kind of hack that can take place through several techniques. Hackers can use techniques such as sniffing whether they use packet capture tools to trace packets unnoticed. Packet injection is another way that attackers can use to execute an attack on your smartphone. This is where they get a chance to send malicious packets or files to other users on a network in a bid to get the data they need.

How can a device owner prevent this attack? Read on!

Use a VPN

VPNs are good at creating a secure online environment and helps keep information on your device safe whenever you are connected to a local area network. Try any of the many VPNs in the market. So, if you’ve been wondering how safe is VyprVPN, you can use it for such sessions to verify its effectiveness.

Force HTTPS

HTTPS is vital in communicating securely over HTTP using the public-private key exchange. This way, the attacker is blocked from using any of the data he may be sniffing.

2.Public Wi-Fi

We may seem to dwell on this mode of hacking so much, but it is for a worthy course. Not all public Wi-Fi networks are safe, even those that request for a password before accessing the network. Hackers bank on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks a lot. These are networks you will commonly find at coffee shops, airports, and shopping malls. Whenever you are using the same network as a hacker, then they can easily track all your movement, steal any files they are interested in or send you malicious files that can end up damaging your device’s system. But how do you prevent such attacks?

Turn Off Your Wi-Fi

Avoid Wi-Fi networks where you can surf the internet for free. Cheap can be expensive in the end! Whenever your phone notifies you on the availability of a free public Wi-Fi, turn your Wi-Fi off and keep using your cellular data.

Use a VPN

VPNs are strong security software that help you remain anonymous whenever you are connected to any network. In essence, they make you invisible such that you seize to be a target of attacks on the network.

3.Installation of Unauthorized Apps

Most device owners often fall prey to this unhealthy practice. Some apps are developed with the aim of attacking devices for data or mere malice. Most of them contain malware in their code, and once you install them on your device, there is no stopping an attacker from stealing your data.

Hope is not lost, though. You can prevent this hack in the following ways:

Install Verified and Authorized Apps

Android users can always find safe apps to install from the Google Play Store. Avoid installing apps from unknown sites.

Secure Your Device

You can use a strong antivirus for your phone so that any harmful apps can be detected before installation.

4.Bluetooth Hacks

Bluetooth is an important tech that helps us connect to headsets and other devices. However, it is also a common security gap that hackers exploit massively. The three most common Bluetooth-based attacks include Bluejacking, Bluesnarfing, and Bluebugging. Attackers can connect to your device whenever it is in the discoverable mode. So, you can prevent this attack by making sure that your smartphone’s Bluetooth is turned off whenever you are in a public place.

Conclusion

Security for our devices, including smartphones, is an ongoing concern since hackers are constantly targeting the files and information stored in our devices. Constantly keeping our devices off public Wi-Fi networks is one of the perfect ways to keep attackers off. Equipping your smartphone with security software such as a VPN is also essential for its security.