Tech

4 Tips to Prevent Your Smartphone From Being Hacked

Published

4 years ago

December 11, 2020

There was a time when smartphone hacking was a nuisance reserved for government officials and celebrities in the public eye. But over the past year, hackers have refined their collective approach and now anyone is game — including you and me. And if you aren’t cautious, you could end up becoming the next victim of smartphone-based cyber attack.

4 Tips to Protect Your Phone

Your smartphone is your single most important digital asset. It carries more information about you than any other device. It’s basically a DNA snapshot of who you are. And if you aren’t careful, hungry hackers could compromise your phone and run off with confidential information.

Want to prevent hackers from successfully stealing your private information? You’ll need to go on the offensive. Here are a few suggestions:

Become More Vigilant

Unfortunately, we are pretty familiar with terms like virus and incubation period these days. And as you know, you don’t always experience symptoms of a virus immediately after exposure. In fact, it often takes days. And this is true with cyber attacks and digital viruses, too.

“Malware and computer viruses also possess incubation periods,” Mission Secure points out. “And during this unprecedented time of working from home and within an escalating cyber threat environment, these measures underscore the importance of remaining cyber vigilant.”

If you want to stay protected, you need to prioritize cyber vigilance. This means understanding the signs that you’ve been compromised, so that you can begin addressing the problem as soon as possible. Possible symptoms include:

You notice apps that are opening on their own.
Your battery is draining at a much faster rate than normal.
There are unusual charges on your phone bill.
You notice apps on your homescreen that you haven’t personally installed.

Mobile phone attacks are constantly evolving, so the signs and symptoms of these attacks will continue to change. However, the more vigilant you are, the more prepared you’ll be to respond with a high level of efficiency.

Implement Basic Phone Security

While there are certainly some high-level ways to protect your phone from being compromised, it all begins with observing basic phone security tips such as these:

Change your phone’s default passcode and avoid using predictable patterns (like directional patterns or all one number).
Never leave your phone unattended.
Implement biometric access options whenever possible. (Fingerprints are good, but facial recognition is better.)
Implement secure settings when it comes to Bluetooth and WiFi. Avoid settings that would allow your device to automatically connect to networks or other devices without your permission.
Never store credit card data or PIN information on your device.

Even if you do nothing else, following these tips will significantly lessen your chances of being compromised. Implement them into your daily routines and habits and you’ll be far ahead of your peers.

Be Careful With Installations

Apps are great, but they also serve as potential inroads for hackers who want to gain access to your device and the data stored on it.

“When you install a smartphone app, you may be asked to grant it various permissions, including the ability to read your files, access your camera or listen in to your microphone. There are legitimate uses for these capabilities, but they’re potentially open to abuse: think before you approve the request,” The Guardian explains.

This is especially important for Android users. Google’s vetting process for apps isn’t nearly as strict as Apple’s. (They also allow you to install apps from third-party sources, which Apple does not permit.)

Be Prepared to Track and Lock

The hope is that you’ll never have to deal with a hack of your smartphone. However, you need to operate under the assumption that you will. This means turning on all tracking and locking options and doing a “test run” so that you know what to do if you suspect your phone is compromised.

Keep Hackers at Arm’s Length

It’s no longer a question of if you’ll be targeted by hackers; it’s simply when. And when they do attack, you must be prepared in such a way that you don’t give them an inch. Because once a hacker is given ground, they’ll find a way to leverage what you’ve unintentionally allowed them to access in the first place to compromise more of your data.

Now’s the time to set up your defenses and strengthen your position. An investment in the proper defenses today will serve you well moving forward. Hopefully this article gives you some simple yet effective ways to begin.

Tech

Clarity in Complexity: Dr. Dave Chatterjee’s Gift for Cyber Communication

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo courtesy of Dr. Dave Chatterjee

By Mj Toledo

A sea of confusing technical terms and threats surround people today. Many feel lost, unsure of how to protect themselves online. A distinguished cybersecurity and technology expert, Dr. Dave Chatterjee is teaching people how. He has practiced information technology management since 2001. In this field, which often bewilders outsiders, he combines academic knowledge with practical insights.

About Dr. Dave Chatterjee

The tech figure authored “Cybersecurity Readiness: A Holistic and High-Performance Approach,” which Sage published and readers praise for its thorough and accessible take on cybersecurity preparation.

Additionally, respected publications like USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan Management Review have recognized his work.

“Communicating complex cybersecurity concepts clearly and effectively is essential,” Dr. Dave Chatterjee explains. “I aim to connect technical know-how with practical understanding, making sure important cybersecurity messages reach and impact all stakeholders, from executives to information technology (IT) staff.”

Dr. Dave Chatterjee has received numerous accolades throughout his career. These include the Outstanding Executive Master of Business Administration Professor of the Year award. He has also been named a University of Georgia (UGA) Outstanding Teaching Faculty Honoree.

Before the pandemic, Dr. Dave Chatterjee launched his Technology Roundtable. It features distinguished business leaders, award-winning chief information officers, and other renowned thought leaders. The roundtable covered topics such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, data quality, and cybersecurity.

Aside from his professional pursuits, he is also passionate about youth development. He also engages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, offering professional development workshops to K-12 students on topics ranging from making the most of collegiate experiences to safe and responsible use of technology. He also provides summer research opportunities for outstanding high school students, mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Decoding Cybersecurity for All

Dr. Dave Chatterjee believes effective cybersecurity involves people as much as technology. He stresses creating an organization’s security-aware culture, starting with clear, straightforward communication.

“Cybersecurity affects every part of an organization,” Dr. Dave Chatterjee states. “We create a shared sense of responsibility and preparedness by explaining complex ideas in relatable ways.”

This philosophy is evident in his roles, including his position as an adjunct associate professor at Duke University and his past work as a professor at The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. His skill in explaining technical concepts has made him a popular speaker and advisor across many industries.

The Power of Clear Communication in Cybersecurity

Clear communication in cybersecurity is non-negotiable. As cyber threats become more complex, explaining security concepts clearly and concisely helps organizations better protect themselves.

“Clear communication forms the foundation of a strong cybersecurity strategy,” Dr. Dave Chatterjee emphasizes. “It allows cybersecurity professionals to work with other departments, identify and reduce potential risks, respond well to incidents, and follow regulations and standards.”

This matters especially now, as cybersecurity has become a top priority for company boards. With experts expecting global cybercrime costs to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, clear explanations of cyber risks and protection strategies help leaders make informed decisions.

Bridging Technology and Human Understanding

Dr. Dave Chatterjee does more than explain technical ideas. He promotes a better grasp of how people factor into cybersecurity, knowing that even the best security systems can fail due to human error or lack of awareness.

His Cybersecurity Readiness Podcast Series has over 70 episodes and listeners in 105 countries. It offers thought-provoking, jargon-free discussions on improving cybersecurity. These discussions cover strategies for individuals, organizations, and nations. This effort shows his advocacy for making cybersecurity knowledge available worldwide.

“The podcast series creates a community where experts, leaders, and practitioners discuss cybersecurity challenges and opportunities,” he notes. “These conversations help build a more informed and resilient digital ecosystem.”

Making Cybersecurity Less Intimidating

With new technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing bringing new challenges and possibilities to cybersecurity, concise communication becomes even more critical.

The tech professional continues to adapt his work in this area. A recent USA Today article, “Dave Chatterjee Drops the Cybersecurity Jargon, Encouraging Proactiveness Rather than Reactiveness,” highlights his ongoing effort to make cybersecurity accessible and actionable for everyone.

“The future of cybersecurity depends on our ability to communicate well across all levels of society,” he concludes. “Promoting a shared understanding of cyber risks and best practices creates a more resilient digital world for everyone.”

The battle for digital security requires more than just advanced technology. It demands clear communication. Dr. Dave Chatterjee’s talent for translating cybersecurity concepts into accessible language turns technical knowledge into practical action.

Undeniably, Dr. Dave Chatterjee’s gift for clarity will remain invaluable, helping create a more secure digital future for everyone.