Here are some tips that can help you protect your personal data. You need to be careful, as many criminals steal data and impersonate their victims.
Thanks to technology, a cell phone is capable of gathering a lot of important personal data, making users' daily lives easier. However, because it contains so much information, it ends up being a major target for hacker attacks by criminals who steal data and gain access to victims' accounts.
Unfortunately, this type of attack has become increasingly common. According to a report by Netscout, Brazil is the main target of this type of attack in Latin America, suffering a 19% increase in the number of attempted attacks in the second half of last year, compared to the first half.
Find out how these hacker attacks occur and learn how to protect yourself so you don't become the next victim!
Hacker attacks
The number of hacker attacks has been increasing more and more, and within this scenario, many criminals attack large organizations and cause damage to confidential information, taking advantage of some gaps in vulnerable systems.
If high-level institutions, such as hospitals, banking institutions and agencies, and even government agencies suffer from this type of attack and are vulnerable, this is no different with our cell phones, which are also vulnerable.
There are several free hacking software options available online, so not every hacker needs to have direct contact with the device to hack it. Below, learn about some of the most common methods and how to prevent them.
Plishing
Hackers use this method to impersonate a company or another person to gain trust and gain access personal data. They usually send codes, images and messages that look like a real company, through emails and text messages via SMS or social networks.
To protect yourself, avoid clicking on suspicious images and links, as they are often malicious and can steal your information.
SIM card replacement
In this type of attack, criminals contact the telephone operator, pretend to be the victim and ask for a replacement SIM card. The operator then sends the new card to the hacker, thinking it is you, and your old card is deactivated. Thus, he steal your number and take control of calls, messages and more.
Bluetooth
In this type of attack, criminals look for more vulnerable cell phones with a working Bluetooth connection. In this case, the attack only happens if the hacker is in the same location as the phone. Therefore, as long as he is close to the device, he can access the information.
How to protect yourself
Enable two-step verification on WhatsApp
Go to settings from WhatsApp, click on “Account” and then on “Two-step verification”. Finally, click on “Activate” and follow the procedure that will appear on the screen.
Protect Instagram
Turn on two-factor authentication and make sure to keep your phone number and email up to date. Also, keep an eye on login activity and choose a strong password to protect yourself.
Encryption
Encrypt your device and protect your calls, messages and other important information.
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Turn off your connections when you are in a public space, as criminals targeting you can easily access your device through these connections.
Block your SIM card
Having a password on your SIM card can save you from many problems with hacking. On the internet, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to block your SIM card, depending on your device's operating system.
Extra protection
Some free apps can protect your phone, for both iOS and Android. If you prefer to pay for more secure protection, companies like McAfee and Kaspersky offer this type of service for their devices.
