A recent AP story recounts that Sen. Angus King from Maine, who is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and co-chairs the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, was given the following guidance about maintaining security and preventing phone hacks. No. 1: Turn it off. Then turn it back on. Yep. That’s it. According to the AP, when Sen. King was briefed by security officials, he was advised that shutting a phone off and on can keep hackers from absconding with the data on your cellphone. The piece went on to report that while regularly rebooting isn’t the only solution, it makes it harder for hackers and cybercriminals to gain control and take your information. It seems there’s some debate about how effective the turn-on/turn-off method is for top-of-the-line spyware that only targets a very small and specific subset of individuals. And the jury is still out how broadly applicable this is for most cellphone users. “One of the best ways to overcome hackers is two-factor authentication—if someone tries to log in to your iCloud, Apple will send you a notification,” insists Arran Stewart, a technology expert and co-founder and CVO of blockchain-powered recruitment platform job.com. In fact, using two-factor authentication, only you can access your account on a trusted device or the web. And when you want to sign in to a new device for the first time, you’ll need to provide two pieces of information—your password and the six-digit verification code that’s automatically displayed on your trusted devices or sent to your phone number. By entering the code, you’re verifying that you trust the new device. “It’s simple things like this that can prevent most hackers from accessing your accounts,” Stewart says. We also found other ways to keep your cellphone data more secure.
How to Prevent Phone Hacks
Use two-factor authentication
This way only you can access your account on a trusted device or the web.
Create the strongest password you can
Don’t include your name or other identifying information. Also, make the security question hard to guess.
Always update your device to use the latest version of iOS
Also, keep Automatic Updates on for all apps. That way you will get the most up-to-date and complete security functions.
Use “Sign in With Apple” to limit password use and risk of credential theft
You can also use that function with Apple on participating apps and websites on the web and on other platforms like Android or Windows.
Use Touch ID or Face ID
Face ID lets you securely unlock your phone, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, and more, all with just your unique glance or touch.
Use Default Privacy settings
You can adjust what information is shared, where you share it, and when it is backed up. Now with the iOS 14.5 apps are must ask your permission when they want to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies.
Use iCloud Keychain to generate and store passwords
This way you can keep your passwords and other secure information updated across your devices.
Turn on and set-up “Find My…”
If you have lost your Apple device, use the Find My app on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS or a Mac with the latest version of macOS signed in with the same Apple ID. You can also use the Find My app on a device owned by someone in your Family Sharing group.
Avoid public wi-fi
Sure it can be tempting to save your phone’s data and use public wi-fi but unsecured networks open your phone up to all kinds cybersecurity issues.
Turn off Bluetooth
It is fairly easy and you get no warning when hackers are attempting to connect to your phone through Bluetooth. Unless you’re wearing a watch the requires Bluetooth, turning it off.
Beware of email phishing schemes
Check the sender’s email address and avoid clicking on links or opening suspicious attachments in promotional emails. Do not run app updates prompted through email. If you believe you need an update, install updates through the app.
Restore your phone to factory settings before trading in or selling
A factory restore erases the information and settings on your iPhone and installs the latest version of iOS software. Next, The Best Online Games To Play With Friends
