Technology has revolutionised the world. And so has its prodigal offspring: Smartphones. Smartphones are the only thing we see before going to bed and the first thing we greet good morning to. “With more than 1 billion users worldwide and 2.5 million apps — and counting — available across Google and Apple’s digital marketplaces, smartphones are impacting day-to-day life in some surprising ways,” published a study in the August 2011 issue of “Science”. It is a no-brainer as to how high the statistics would have gone up by now. Providing us with numerous social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc. to connect with the virtual world, it also creates a big loophole. We rigorously input our private data such as passwords, confidential documents in such platforms with our smartphones, may it be for private or commercial purposes.
In a world, where technology has the upper hand, leaking of users’ data and information is inevitable. People find it hard to avoid or obstruct malicious applications or software entering their smartphone and creating chaos. Hackers can exploit network vulnerabilities to steal passwords without being detected or use malicious media files disguised in photos or videos to access messages on unpatched phones. Often, thieves find their way in to access data through one of a phone’s apps or a website. However, Flavio Esposito, Ph.D., assistant professor of Computer Science at the Saint Louis University, has provided certain useful tips to keep hackers away from your phone and to protect the authenticity and privacy of your data.
He has pointed out seven tips to protect your smartphones:
1. Lock Your (Virtual) Doors: Use very strong passwords, Esposito advised, and change them often. Ideally, passwords are at least 12 characters long, include numbers and symbols and don’t include obvious dictionary words. If you’re in a public place entering your pin number, cover your phone with your hand.
2. It’s Time to Log Off: Log off of social media platforms when you are not using them.
3. Not Just for Desktops: Install Adblocker apps on your phone and do not disable them even when you are asked. Install antivirus apps, too. Avoid opening suspicious spam and fishing emails.
4. Stop Procrastinating: Always update your operating system and your apps as soon as they are available.
5. Say Goodbye to Public Wi-fi: Absolutely avoid public (open) wi-fi. Instead, Esposito suggests investing in a good data plan and using your phone as a router (tethering) when you don't have other secure choices. If this isn’t an option, limit your time on public wi-fi.
6. Find Another Place to Store Your Valuables: Do not store anything valuable on the phone and be sure to frequently back up all files you care about.
7. No Jailbreaks: Do not jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking means freeing your phone from the limitations imposed by the company. If a company imposes a limitation, they do so, in part, to increase your security.
Dibyasha Das