How to Secure Your Phone from Hackers

Smartphones are more than just devices for communication; they are personal vaults storing sensitive information such as photos, financial details, and passwords. This makes them a prime target for hackers.

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If you’re wondering “how do I secure my phone from hackers” or searching for ways to safeguard your iPhone, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll cover actionable tips on how to protect your phone from hackers and ensure your data remains safe.

Why Hackers Target Your Phone

Hackers aim to exploit vulnerabilities in your phone to steal data, impersonate you, or launch further attacks on your contacts.

While your phone cannot be hacked directly without your involvement, certain actions like clicking on suspicious links, using unsecured Wi-Fi, or downloading unverified apps can make it vulnerable.

1. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links

Hackers often use phishing attacks to lure users into clicking on malicious links that can compromise their devices. These links may appear in emails, text messages, or social media.

How to Protect Yourself:

Do not click on links from unknown senders.
Verify links before clicking by hovering over them or checking the URL for legitimacy.
Avoid “too good to be true” offers or urgent messages that pressure you to act quickly.

Avoid the Suspicious links in WhatsApp to Check the Article

2. Download Apps Only from Trusted Sources

One of the most common ways hackers gain access to your phone is through malicious apps. Downloading apps from unverified sources can expose your phone to malware or spyware.

How to Secure Your Phone:

Use official app stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Check app reviews and permissions before downloading.
Avoid apps that request excessive or unnecessary permissions.

3. Keep Your Software Updated

Outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Regular updates ensure your phone has the latest security patches.

Tips for Staying Updated:

Enable automatic updates for your phone’s operating system and apps.
Regularly check for updates in your settings if automatic updates are disabled.

Also Read this Article

Why Need to Update and how to Protect your Phone

4. Use Strong Passwords and Biometrics

A weak password makes it easier for hackers to access your phone. Combine this with biometric security for an added layer of protection.

Steps to Secure Your Device:

Use a strong, unique password for your phone lock screen.
Enable biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or face recognition.
Avoid using simple patterns or PINs like “1234” or “0000.”

5. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are breeding grounds for hackers looking to intercept data.

How to Secure Your Phone from Hackers:

Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as banking apps, over public Wi-Fi.
Use a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your data.
Turn off automatic connection to open Wi-Fi networks.

Also Read this Article

Download Free and Secure VPN for Phone and Laptops

6. Enable Remote Lock and Erase Features

If your phone is ever lost or stolen, remote lock and erase features can prevent hackers from accessing your data.

How to Enable Remote Security:

For Android: Use Find My Device to remotely locate, lock, or erase your phone.
For iPhone: Use Find My iPhone to perform similar actions.
Ensure these features are enabled in your phone settings.

7. Be Mindful of Bluetooth Connections

Hackers can exploit unsecured Bluetooth connections to gain unauthorized access to your phone.

How to Protect Yourself:

Turn off Bluetooth when not in use.
Avoid pairing your phone with unknown devices.
Use “hidden” mode instead of “discoverable” mode when pairing.

8. Avoid Non-HTTPS Websites

Visiting websites without HTTPS can expose your data to attackers.

How to Secure Your Phone from Hackers:

Check for “https://” and a padlock icon in the browser address bar before entering sensitive information.
Avoid sharing personal or financial details on websites marked as “Not Secure.”
Use browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere to ensure secure connections.

How to secure your phone to use Https:// and Know about it

9. Be Wary of Social Engineering and Fishing Attacks

Hackers may try to trick you into sharing sensitive information through social engineering tactics.

How Can I Protect My Phone from Hackers?

Do not share verification codes or personal information, even with people claiming to be from trusted organizations.
Verify the identity of anyone asking for sensitive data.
Educate yourself about common scams to avoid falling victim.

Avoid the Suspicious links in WhatsApp to Check the Article

DNS Settings in Your Phone to Protect

Why DNS Settings Matter for Security

Hackers can manipulate DNS settings to redirect you to malicious websites (a method called DNS hijacking). This exposes your personal information, passwords, and financial data to theft.

Ensuring your DNS settings are secure prevents such attacks and enhances your browsing experience by offering faster and safer connections.

How to Secure Your Phone from Hackers — Secure Your Phone from Hackers

How to Check and Configure DNS Settings on Your Phone

For Android Devices:

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > Private DNS.
Select one of the following:
- Automatic (default, uses your ISP’s DNS).
- Private DNS provider hostname (for a custom secure DNS like Google or Cloudflare).
Enter a secure DNS hostname, such as:
- Google: dns.google
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1.cloudflare-dns.com
- for Ads Block to Apply: family.adgurd-dns.com
Tap Save to apply the changes.

For iPhones:

Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
Tap the i icon next to your connected Wi-Fi network.
Scroll down to Configure DNS.
Choose Manual and add secure DNS servers, such as:
- Google: 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4
- Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
Tap Save to update the settings.

Benefits of Securing DNS Settings

Enhanced Privacy: Prevent ISPs or third parties from monitoring your browsing activity.
Improved Security: Avoid DNS hijacking and phishing attacks.
Faster Browsing: Reliable DNS servers often improve website loading speeds.

Disable the “Install Unknown Apps” Permission on Your Phone

Modern smartphones allow users to install apps not only from official app stores but also from third-party sources. This feature, known as “Install Unknown Apps,” can be risky if misused.

Malicious apps from untrusted sources may compromise your phone’s security, steal data, or install spyware. Disabling this permission ensures that only verified apps can be installed on your device.

How to Disable “Install Unknown Apps” Permission

On Android Devices:

Go to Settings: Open the Settings app on your phone.
Navigate to Security: Tap on Apps & Notifications or Privacy (varies by device).
Select Special App Access: Scroll down and tap Special App Access or Advanced settings.
Choose Install Unknown Apps: Find and tap Install Unknown Apps or Install Apps from Unknown Sources.
Disable Permissions:
- Review the list of apps allowed to install unknown apps.
- Tap on each app and disable the toggle for Allow from this source.

Why Disable “Install Unknown Apps” Permission?

Prevent Malware and Spyware:
Malicious apps from third-party sources can steal personal data, monitor activity, or even control your device remotely.
Avoid Unintended Data Leaks:
Apps from untrusted sources often lack proper encryption, leading to potential data breaches.
Enhance Device Performance:
Unauthorized apps can consume excessive resources, slowing down your phone and draining the battery.
Minimize Phishing Risks:
Some apps trick users into providing sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details.

Theft Protection and Android Safe Browsing

Fortunately, Android devices offer several security features, including Theft Protection and Safe Browsing, which can help keep your phone and personal information safe.

How to Enable Theft Protection on Android:

Enable Find My Device:
- Go to Settings > Security > Find My Device.
- Ensure that the toggle for Find My Device is turned on.
- This allows you to remotely locate your phone, lock it, or erase all your data via your Google account.
Use a Lock Screen:
- Set up a secure lock screen using a PIN, password, or pattern.
- Go to Settings > Security > Screen Lock and select your preferred method.
- Use biometric authentication (fingerprint or facial recognition) for an added layer of protection.
Remote Lock and Erase:
If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely lock your phone or wipe its data:
- Visit the Find My Device website on a computer or use the Find My Device app.
- From there, you can choose to lock your phone, display a message, or erase all data.
Activate SIM Card Lock:
- Go to Settings > Security > SIM Card Lock and enable Lock SIM Card to prevent SIM card swapping.
- This will require a PIN before anyone can change the SIM card.

Android Safe Browsing

How to Enable Safe Browsing on Android:

Enable Google Safe Browsing:
- Open Google Chrome on your Android device.
- Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner and go to Settings.
- Tap Privacy and turn on Safe Browsing.
- This will help protect you from phishing, malware, and dangerous websites by showing warnings before you visit potentially harmful pages.
Use Secure Websites (HTTPS):
- Always check for HTTPS in the website URL. Sites without HTTPS are less secure and might expose your personal data.
- Google Chrome will automatically warn you if you visit a non-HTTPS site or a site with a known security issue.