More Hackers Targeting Smartphones

Did you know that more and more hackers are targeting mobile devices, instead of computers? It might sound ridiculous at first, but just give it a thought. You use your smartphone for almost as much emailing and web browsing as your computer: but you’re probably significantly less rigorous about keeping antivirus or security suites installed and running.

Don’t believe it? Only a short while ago Google quietly removed several very popular apps from the Android store because they posed cybersecurity threats to the phones which they were installed on. And that’s only the beginning. Many IT workers are cautioning companies to monitor cell phone use on company networks, and encouraging initiatives which screen employee cell phones and mobile devices for malware, viruses, and hacking attempts. Though it’s only a small movement now, you can be certain that enterprise-wide initiatives which monitor mobile devices on company networks will only become more common.

How can you protect your cellphone? It’s a pretty tricky question, and one without a very clear answer. Many of the so-called ‘security’ apps designed for cellphones are themselves actually easy open doors for hackers and malware, and even industry experts agree that antivirus software alone isn’t enough to handle threats.

And even quality antivirus and cyber security software will never be effective 100 percent of the time. The skills and methods of hackers are growing and changing too fast for even the best software to keep up. And any device which can connect to the internet is vulnerable.

This means that those of you who believe your Apple devices can’t be hacked are woefully misinformed. Decades ago, it was true that there were less hackers and malware for Apple operating systems; but that was primarily because they weren’t popular enough to be worth the time for hackers to even learn the language. Now that Apple has established itself as a major competitor, Apple users are just as much a target as Window users. Published reports have uncovered in excess of 200 security problems in iOS software. And if you love to jailbreak your phone, no matter what OS you run, your risks only grow.

So given all this, what are some tried and true methods to protect your smartphone against viruses and malicious hackers?

Quick Cellphone Security Tips

Find and run some reliable security software. You can find a few good free anti virus apps, but make certain that they’re provided by companies who have had their antivirus engines scored by a third party company. Doing so will ensure that your security system has been vetted and is effective.

Reduce the number of apps that you have on your phone, and make sure that you regularly delete apps that you no longer use. Also, clear your cache and stored data relatively often. This helps ensure that hackers can’t easily and regularly track your online habits or scrape password data. Vet apps before you download them, read reviews, and make sure they are published by trusted sources. As noted in the article above, it’s not especially difficult for a malware app to get onto app stores.

Don’t jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking removes important security and safety functions which, while they might lock down your phone, also help to keep viruses and hackers out. It’s better just not to run the risk, especially if you keep banking or financial information on your phone.

Bottom line? Your cellphone is just as vulnerable as a computer to hackers and malware. Moreso, if you don’t regularly run a security suite and remain vigilant against possible compromises. And if you want to secure your personal information and avoid getting hacked, practice common sense safety habits and remain vigilant.