Your mobile device is vulnerable to cyberattacks. How can you protect it from hackers?

1 Update your software

One of the easiest ways to protect your mobile device from cyberattacks is to keep your software up to date. Software updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. You should check for updates regularly and install them as soon as possible. You can also enable automatic updates for your device's operating system and apps, if available.

2 Use strong passwords

Another simple but effective way to protect your mobile device from cyberattacks is to use strong passwords for your device and your accounts. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique. It should not contain any personal or common information, such as your name, birthday, or favorite movie. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this can compromise your security if one of them is breached. You can use a password manager app to help you create and store strong passwords securely.

3 Enable encryption

Encryption is a process that scrambles your data so that only authorized parties can access it. Encryption can protect your mobile device from cyberattacks by making it harder for hackers to read your data, even if they manage to access your device or intercept your network traffic. You can enable encryption for your device's storage, as well as for your communications, such as messages, emails, and calls. You can also use a virtual private network (VPN) app to encrypt your internet connection when using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

5 Be careful with permissions

Permissions are the access rights that apps request from your device, such as your location, camera, contacts, or microphone. Permissions can enable apps to function properly and provide you with useful features, but they can also pose a risk to your privacy and security. Some apps may request more permissions than they need, or misuse them to collect or share your data without your consent. You can protect your mobile device from cyberattacks by being careful with permissions. You should only grant permissions to apps that you trust and that need them for their functionality. You should also review and revoke permissions for apps that you don't use or that ask for too much access.

6 Backup your data

Backing up your data is a precautionary measure that can help you recover your data in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. It can also help you restore your data if your device is infected by malware or hacked by cybercriminals. You can backup your data to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or a hard disk, or to a cloud service, such as Google Drive or iCloud. You should backup your data regularly and encrypt it for extra security.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?