Over 60% of people use mobile phones instead of laptop or desktop computers to connect to the internet. They are always accessible and more in use. Scammer target mobile phones because they can get more personalized information of the user. There are over a dozen types of scams, and every year we encounter new methods invented by exploiters. This article is about protecting you and your family by keeping your mobile phone secured.
Install only Safe Apps
Mobile applications are not very difficult to build and launch on app stores. Scammers build one app and create its several copies to upload on the store with different names. They usually disguise their virus with a name that people might find useful. An app can access almost every part of your device once installed. Validate whether the application you are about to install is legit or not. See the user reviews it has got. If there are no reviews, don’t trust it. Usually, legit app developers have a website to showcase their work. Consider it a fake app if you believe that developers haven’t provided proper details about it.
Never Open a Link from Stranger
You may receive a link on one of your social media profiles or through SMS from an unknown person. Never open such link; it’s most probably a ‘Phishing Scam’. You are redirected to a web page that either has a virus on it or a form asking for your information. Every mobile user understands the risk of providing personal information on an unknown platform. So they make the page look like a familiar platform. Sometimes, they may lure you in by offering something in return with a background story. Don’t even open such a link to be safe if it comes from a stranger.
Educate Yourself
Scammers will keep coming up with innovative ways to accomplish their evil goals. Essential tips will protect you from current scams to some extent. You need to have a better understanding of online security for which education is important. There are institutes like Inspired E-Learning that offer a library of online security courses for people like you. You don’t have to be a network engineer to learn these courses; it’s for the safety of you and your family.
Be Aware of One Ring Scam
Ever received a call from an unknown number which hangs up right after one bell? Hundreds of thousands of people have! Scammer ring you to create curiosity hoping you would call them back. You are charged with premium rates when you do call them. It’s called ‘One Ring Scam’. They always call you from different numbers and most probably an international one.
Use Two Factor Authentication on Google Account
Your Google account is deeply connected to your mobile phone especially if you are an android user. All your synced data is stored in your Google account. You must keep it secured to keep your mobile secured. Enable two-factor authentication to log in to your account. This way scammer can’t access it even if he has the password because he will also need to authenticate himself with the second factor like a text message.
Install an Antivirus
Antivirus companies have engineers researching all types of viruses. They create antivirus definitions to defend against every single virus. They study the behavior of viruses to identify and stop them when found in your device. This is why it is crucial to have an antivirus installed on your mobile phone. If possible, install only a premium well-reputed antivirus and keep it up to date. Free or outdated antiviruses won’t be able to cope with the new scams.
