With the number of smartphone users rising and apps becoming ever more popular, it has been overlooked by many the possibility of becoming a victim from mobile hackers or even malware.
For many it's still hard to believe the power that smartphone's on the current market have. Most handsets are more powerful than desktops that were in use only 10 years ago. Because of this it would appear impossible that similar vulnerabilities that computers face on a day to day basis would become a problem on their mobile phone.
Smartphones are now part of everyday life that includes online banking, business calls and many other applications it's easy to see why hackers and scams try to capture the valuable information that we all carry around with us, at all times.
What Are The Threats?
Smartphone users tend to have increased activity for internet usage. With the possibility of clicking a malicious link to using the handset to insert bank details, there are many simple ways that appear to be harmless but could in fact place important information into the hackers hands.
Another recent activity carried out by hackers is by creating apps that can be downloaded for free on the many different app stores that will have a virus included within the app download. Once the app is installed and opened the virus will become active. There are apps that currently cause anyone who downloads them to send texts to a premium rate service, costing up to £6 per message, without the user knowing. This kind of scam appears to be prevalent and has shocked many bill payers at the end of the month.
Simple Security Steps
To help avoid all the current scams and being targeted there are many different kinds of techniques that can help prevent from having eye watering bills at the end of each month.
Firstly, only ever download or buy apps from official and reputable app stores. This will help dramatically reduce the likeness of becoming a victim of any kind of scam, since this is one of the easiest ways for hackers to access handsets.
Also, never attempt to jailbreak the smarthphone at any time, doing so can help anyone run unauthorised software on the handset but this unauthorised software may be infected with malicious software. Usually from an unknown source. Not forgetting that it will null the phone's manufacturers warranty.
Never use an unsecured WI-FI hotspot to access personal or private information and be wary that by using these hotspots every smartphone may be vulnerable to hackers trying to receive data from the handset. And remember to always turn of the WI-FI and Bluetooth whenever not in use as not only will this prevent access to hackers but will also greatly increase the phones battery life.
Another way to remain secure is to install a virus software programme. By doing so can help review current app permissions and make sure there is no unexplained activity in the background and also help create further peace of mind.
Lastly, always remember to view each monthly bill to ensure there is no suspicious activity that may be similar to that of any malicious activity being present.
Therefore with such great advances in technology creating major time saving techniques, it would appear impossible to live without smartphones. From mapping out your travels on holiday, sourcing a near by restaurant wherever you are and achieving cheap calls to Spain and many other countries within a few actions. Just remember to keep it secure and free from any attempt of hacking
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harvey_McEwan
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