The importance of smartphones in our daily life is unparalleled and unprecedented. Indeed, mobile phones have become vital to perform our daily life activities efficiently. We use phones to communicate through calls and texts or conduct bank transactions. Moreover, people play games and use many social media applications on smartphones. Thus, we cannot afford to have our phones monitored by hackers since smartphones contain nearly everything. Hacking is intolerable at this current point.
Unfortunately, for hackers, hacking your smartphone is not a very complicated task. Being online also exposes your device to cybersecurity threats. What's more, the fraudulent are always lurking on the internet. They gain access to your confidential information in case your phone lacks security. Hackers also use malicious software to observe your online activity.
Android and iOS are both extremely vulnerable in terms of hacking, as per reports by Norton and Malwarebytes. Some devices also have preinstalled malware from companies that can affect user experience. If you were wondering how to protect your personal data from these third parties. This guide will discuss various hacking types and ways to keep them at arm's length.
What is hacking, and how will it affect you?
Hacking refers to unethical and unlawful activities to compromise your electronic devices. Hackers can target any electronic device like smartphones, laptops, and more. The driving force behind hacking is usually spying and financial gain. So, getting access to confidential information is their goal. Yet, some tech-savvy individuals take it as a challenge to hack into sophisticated systems.
A cybersecurity threat, like hacking, can infringe your internet security in several ways. Firstly, computer predators install malware into your device. It works in the background on your device and shares your personal information with a third party. For instance, it can retrieve your Google account login credentials. A virus can also hijack your bank account details and steal your money.
Sometimes, hackers obtain your information, like social security numbers. They sell this information to third parties for monetary benefits. Furthermore, hackers can acquire the login credentials of your social media accounts. This can result in unwarranted activities. They can also acquire new credit cards and other details on your behalf. Such activities by predators can even lead to physical harm in some cases.
5 types of hacking techniques
To install malicious software onto your smart, a hacker needs a simple link. You receive such links in emails or text messages. A click will make your device vulnerable to many detrimental consequences. So, let's get to the basics of different hacking techniques.
Phishing
Phishing is a technique to hack your smartphone. Attackers convince users to open messages and emails containing malicious links. Such tactics are a part of social engineering. . Once you click on the links, a stalkware gets installed on your phone. It is a security mistake that reveals your personal information to the hacker. The malware shares your personal identifiers, images, texts, credit card information to the Command and Control (C&C) server.
If your mobile phone has a security breach, you can suffer financial losses. As cybercriminals get your credit card essentials and login information. They can gain access to your bank account to steal your money. They use it to purchase anything without your knowledge. Spoofed messages or emails to get your passwords are examples of phishing attacks.
Bait and Switch attack
Bait and Switch is another way to trick mobile users into clicking on malicious content or links. Hackers buy advertisement space on the website and use it to plant an innocuous link. A click on these ads will direct users to malicious websites.
Hackers also use this link for browser locking or to download spyware into your phone. Sometimes, the advertisement link takes you to a site that is programmed to direct you to a more malicious website. Shady companies use marketing methods to hack into electronic devices and steal information.
Cookie Theft
Cookies are small packets of information that improve your browsing experience. Cookies store your personal information like passwords, user names, browsing history. The problem occurs when you access a website through an unprotected network. Some websites are also not protected through SSL certifications. This makes it easy for hackers to obtain your data through cookie theft.
Hackers are lurking online and can access unprotected session data or cookies. Hackers can even impersonate you through personal information and conduct other criminal offenses. Website URLs with HTTPS:// are safe as their session data are encrypted. Moreover, you can secure your browsing activity with a proxy such as VPN Proxy Master.
Fake W.A.P.
Fake W.A.P is another trick used by hackers to obtain your sensitive information. Cybercriminals use different software to mimic a malicious wireless access point. Next, all a hacker needs is to connect to a public W.A.P and make the connection available. Hackers usually choose a free wifi internet connection to find a victim.
To make it more convincing, they even name it XYZ free Wifi. Such connections are easily available at cafes, airports. Such places also have a vulnerable audience in abundance. So, if you happen to fall for this trick by chance. A hacker can easily get into your device and acquire your personal data.
Trojans and Viruses
Hackers use these malicious software to attack your electronic devices. Trojan viruses can cause havoc on your system if your phone is infected. It does so by deleting, modifying, and blocking data. Moreover, this digital pest can leave your device open to other similar viruses.
Hackers use trojans to read keyboard strokes and get your important passwords. Viruses and trojans can spread to other devices connected to similar connections. Hackers use this malware to conduct nasty activities. Exploits, Rootkit, and Backdoor Trojans are some of the few examples.
How to know if your device is hacked?
Your device stores your personal information more than you can imagine. It doesn't matter if you are an Android or iOS user to a hacker. Suppose you fall for a fraudulent trick by a hacker or spy. The possible outcome is that your device’s privacy is jeopardized. Though, you can track your device for following suspicious activities to avoid security threats.
Unusual high excessive use of mobile data
Abrupt drainage of mobile battery
Slow speed and functioning of mobile operating system
Unknown application installed in cell phone
Mobile showing activity in standby mode
Receiving suspicious text messages and call
Abnormal activity on social media accounts
The appearance of an inappropriate advertisement
Use a VPN
Resetting your smartphone is a trouble-free way to get rid of any malware on your device. However, it might cost you if you lack data backup. Using a Virtual Private Network is a fast and reliable way to have online privacy and security. Furthermore, anti-malware and anti-adds prevent the installation of malware on your device. An effective VPN offers secure servers to route your online activity through an encrypted channel.
VPN Proxy Master contains all these essential security features. The ultra-fast proxy hinds your IP address from cybercriminals. Users can choose from thousands of proxy servers in more than 50 countries. While using a VPN master proxy, you never have to worry about online security threats. It shields your online information through AES 256 bit encryption. Other features include unlimited and uninterrupted bandwidth and data usage. What's more, you can connect a single VPN account with six devices at a time. Through VPN Proxy Master, you can safeguard both iOS and Android smartphone devices.
Keeping your phone unprotected is a welcoming sign for predators and cybercriminals. Safeguarding your device from online credential thieve is imperative in the digital era. They use malware to corrupt your device and sell your information to third parties. So, arming up your smartphone with a trustworthy security solution sounds convincing. Unfortunately, free anti-malware is unable to keep up with ever-evolving spyware. Only a paid tool, such as VPN Proxy Master, enables you to upgrade your security to a military-grade level. Therefore, use VPN services to safeguard your phone from hacking and maintain your privacy.
