Former prime minister and foreign secretary Liz Truss’ phone was reportedly the target of Russian hackers. In a world where even the average person could be the target of phone hacking, we look at the best ways to keep your device safe.
It is believed Liz Truss’ phone was hacked by foreign agents during her time as foreign secretary, with private messages – including those regarding the war in Ukraine – intercepted.
Further details of the suspected security breach are few and far between, although initial reports said hackers could have used the Israeli-built Pegasus spyware.
The software can be incredibly invasive, monitoring the vast majority of a device’s usage. It is so under-the-radar that those targeted will have no idea of its existence.
While attacks using such sophisticated software are unlikely for those outside of politics and big business, it is still important to keep your devices safe. Here are five of our top tips to keep your phone secure.
It doesn’t matter where a link comes from – if you are unsure of its legitimacy, don’t click it. Links can lead to malicious websites that install malware on your phone that are used to steal data.
Many malicious links come in the form of phishing text messages offering offers or discounts. There has been a recent spike in fraudulent offers of energy bill discounts to help with the cost of living.
Whether the link is in an email, a text message or a social media post, take the time to think about clicking it. If it looks suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is.
Constant reminders to update your phone’s software can be annoying, but they are there to keep you safe.
Updates regularly resolve any existing vulnerabilities, particularly on Android devices. Constant updates help you stay ahead of the game and prevent hackers from getting a way in.
Make sure to regularly check for updates in your device’s settings menu, don’t just rely on a reminder to let you know.
We always recommend people to use different passwords for each app they use. While they may be hard to remember, saving log-in or card details in apps – or worse in a note or text document – is the worst thing you can do.
Using an encrypted password manager is the safest way to store your personal details and there is a variety available through the app store.
Make sure to always use a mix of lower case, uppercase, numbers and symbols in your passwords to keep them as secure as possible.
Free public Wi-Fi is great – but networks can provide hackers easy access to your device.
Many unsecured public networks lack important security features and encryption, effectively leaving the door open to those wanting to get into your phone and steal data.
Using a VPN connects your to an external server, bolstering your security and keeping you safe from any malicious actors.
Antivirus alone isn’t enough to protect your computer. Most packages now include additional security features to extend the level of protection they offer (just make sure it is all enabled).
The protection antivirus products provide isn’t just available on computers, you should use them or other security apps on your mobile devices too.
There are various free apps available, although it is best to stick with the big names you can trust (such as McAfee, Trend Micro or Kaspersky) to keep you safe from any harmful websites or files.
If you have already purchased an antivirus or security package on your computer, double check your account – a mobile app may have also been included in your purchase.
At SMY IT Services we help keep you and your business safe from harm.
Our expert team are on hand to build a plan that protects your devices from attack, keeping your and your client’s data away from the hands of criminals.
Contact our team for advice today.
As key project members in many of our IT projects whether, actively assisted or simply advised what they do not know about IT, in our opinion isn’t worth knowing!
- Nadia Mullins-Hills -