Top tips on blocking hacks on your mobile device

Did you know that it’s actually fairly easy to hack a smartphone? We assume our information is safe, but that isn’t always so. Here at First Utah Bank, we want to provide our business banking customers in Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas with only the best banking, security and financial information around.

As we all know, smartphones have made our lives a lot easier. We share our lives on social media, we no longer have to use physical maps to get around, and cashless payment systems make being a consumer easier than ever. Smartphones are a ubiquitous part of our lives. Yet, they also present a security risk, especially if we use them to transmit sensitive information or have high-level conversations.

We have become so accustomed to trusting smartphones that we put everything from bank account information to passwords and more into these devices without a second thought. But have you ever considered what would happen if your device got hacked?

How to Protect Your Wi-Fi, Apps and Web Browser

The question is: How do you block hackers from accessing your phone? Just consider all the leaks of private photos of celebrities. Technically, no one is 100% safe, but you can take steps to ensure hackers cannot spy on you, whether it is through your camera or microphone. Consider even your location can be tracked, but you can prevent that as well. Let’s break it down for you:

• Wi-Fi Security: No matter what you need to get done, studiously avoid unfamiliar or insecure networks. When you aren’t using your Wi-Fi, turn it off and ensure you never send information over an insecure wireless network.
• App Security: The first rule of app downloading is to never download an app through your browser. Ensure you only download apps through your smartphone’s official app store. Also, avoid apps with no reviews or bad reviews. Keep your apps updated and don’t grant excessive privileges to an app unless you absolutely trust it.
• Browser Security: Keep an eye out for suspicious ads, giveaways or contests that seem unreal or fake. They could be phishing attempts. Also, look closely at each URL you visit. And never save your login information while using a web portal.

How to Protect Your Bluetooth and Prevent Phishing and Vishing

Now we want to cover some more little-known smartphone hacking attempts. Because not every hacker is going to use the more commonly known methods to get into your phone. There are also more little-known ways to break-in, including through services we use every day like Bluetooth or SMS messaging. You can even be a victim of hacking simply by answering the phone! Consider these three factors when locking down your business banking smartphone security.

• Bluetooth Security: We use Bluetooth for almost everything on our smartphone, from listening to music through wireless headphones to transmitting information. The key to Bluetooth security is ensuring you always disable automatic Bluetooth pairing and to disable your Bluetooth setting when you’re not actively using it.
• Smishing Security: This is one you may not have heard of. Smishing is essentially protecting yourself from SMS phishing attempts. Since SMS messaging is more personal, it’s easier to hack someone through a text message. Don’t trust messages from unknown people. Treat messages the same way you treat email. Make absolutely sure you trust the source before you click.
• Vishing Security: Vishing is similar to smishing, but instead of text phishing, this is phishing over the phone. Do not respond to or answer calls from unknown people or speak into a recording. Speak only with live people and only when you initiate the call. Sometimes all a hacker needs is a recording of your voice to break into accounts that use your voice as a gated entry source.

Final Considerations for Protecting Your Device

Having your smartphone hacked is like a break-in. It is a violation of your personal space and security. A smartphone isn’t a place where you hold your valuables, but it can tell an intruder which valuables are important to you. There are still a few more preventative measures you can take to limit your exposure.

First, stay on top of software updates for your device. Companies like Apple and Google are constantly updating their software to account for current threats. Staying on top of these updates might be just what you need to ward off an intrusion. And make sure you install all updates immediately.

Finally, consider arming your smartphone with an antivirus or some other security software. Just as you do with your desktop or laptop computer, your phone should similarly be protected. It’s after all, a mini-computer in your pocket. Don’t skimp on its security just because you don’t look at it as a computer.

Here at First Utah Bank, we understand our business banking clients in Salt Lake City and Lehi conduct deals all day on their smartphones. Consider these tips and make sure you stay secure. Keep your smartphone safe with First Utah Bank!