Mobile phone security

Learn about common cybersecurity risks and how to protect your devices and data.

Spearphishing: Avoid clicking suspicious links, update apps regularly, and install only from official sources.
Malicious Apps: Download only from trusted app stores and use verified accessories.
Zero-Click Exploits: Reboot your phone weekly, keep software updated, and avoid public networks.
Untrusted Wi-Fi Networks: Turn off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not in use, avoid public networks, and use VPNs or encrypted communication apps.
Foreign or Untrusted Networks: Avoid connecting to unfamiliar networks, reboot regularly, and monitor unexpected network activity.
Audio/Video Snooping: Use microphone covers, disable unused permissions, and avoid sensitive conversations near devices.
Communication Data Collection: Use encrypted messaging apps and avoid sharing sensitive data over untrusted networks.
Geolocation Tracking: Disable location services when not needed and review app permissions.
Physical Attacks: Keep control of your device, use strong PINs, enable auto-lock, and only use trusted accessories.
Supply Chain Attacks: Buy accessories from reputable sources, install apps from official stores, and verify software authenticity.

Protect Your Privacy: How to Disable Your Phone’s Advertising ID

Mobile devices use an advertising identifier (Ad ID) to track user activity. Disable it to enhance privacy.

For Android: Go to Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Ads and delete the advertising ID.
For iOS: Turn off Personalized Ads under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising.
Limit Location Tracking: Only grant location access to trusted apps and disable background location tracking.

Use strong passwords: Secure your phone and apps with complex passwords or biometric authentication.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adds an extra layer of protection for your accounts.
Regular software updates: Keeps your device protected from the latest security threats.
Secure connections: Use VPNs, encrypted apps, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
Install security software: Use anti-malware apps to detect and prevent threats.
Remote tracking and locking: Enable Find My Device (iOS/Android) for lost or stolen devices.
Be cautious with app permissions: Regularly review and disable unnecessary access to your device’s data.

Attempt to locate your device using GPS tracking services like Find My iPhone or Find My Android.
Remotely lock or erase data using security software to prevent unauthorized access.
Report the loss to your carrier and request account security measures such as blocking the device’s IMEI number.
Notify law enforcement with details such as the make, model, IMEI, and serial number of your device.
Change passwords for critical accounts that were accessed from the device to prevent further breaches.

Beyond basic protections, adopting advanced cybersecurity measures can further strengthen your defenses against cyber threats.

Use a Password Manager: Securely store and generate complex passwords for all accounts.
Implement Network Segmentation: Separate critical systems from general network access to minimize potential breaches.
Monitor Account Activity: Regularly review account logs for suspicious access attempts.
Enable Encrypted Backups: Protect your important files by maintaining encrypted backups both locally and on a secure cloud service.
Disable Unused Services: Turn off Bluetooth, NFC, and other wireless connections when not in use.
Restrict App Permissions: Only grant necessary permissions to apps and remove access for those no longer in use.

Public networks pose security risks. Take these steps to protect your data while using public Wi-Fi.

Avoid Financial Transactions: Do not enter sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN: Encrypt your internet traffic with a reliable virtual private network.
Disable Auto-Connect: Prevent devices from automatically connecting to unknown networks.
Forget Untrusted Networks: Remove stored connections to public Wi-Fi after use.

Phishing attacks use deceptive emails or messages to steal personal data. Learn how to recognize and prevent them.

Check Email Addresses: Be cautious of senders with slight misspellings or unusual domains.
Look for Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to manipulate responses.
Avoid Clicking Links: Hover over links before clicking to verify authenticity.
Enable Email Filters: Use spam filters to block suspicious emails from reaching your inbox.