6 Best Tips To Act Smarter Than A Hacker

Safeguarding your devices against hacking and data breaches should be a priority. This article gives pointers to outsmart a hacker.

09:04 02 March 2022

It is without a doubt how technology has improved our daily lives. For one, communication through smartphones has been made easy and convenient. And more so, storing and accessing digital files and browsing the internet. But along with these undeniable advantages and benefits comes a price. It’d be worth noting that as technology progresses, so does the risk of threats from hackers. 

 

A hacker can discover and exploit the vulnerability of your mobile devices. And in turn, they can block your access, steal personal data stored in your device, or even hack your accounts and make financial transactions. More so, a recent study has revealed which smartphone brand and operating system have attracted the most attention from global hackers. In just the year 2021, there were approximately 266,400 searches related to the hacking of an operating system, increasing its rate by 49%. 

 

And as such, safeguarding your devices against hacking and data breaches should be a priority. With that in mind, this article will give you pointers and surefire strategies to outsmart a hacker. 

 

• Secure Mobile Devices

As you continue storing sensitive data in your mobile devices, the implementation of data security becomes more critical. Some of the personal data they can steal include private photos, home addresses, contact information of your family and friends, email accounts and passwords, and even credit card info. Without protecting your devices, hackers may quickly gain access to your information.

 

Protecting your phones isn’t as challenging as you think. Ideally, this strategy is the simplest yet most powerful thing you can do. To start, you have to ensure that you have strong and unique passwords in place. 

 

Refrain from reusing password combinations and using simple sequences. More so, avoid using personal information such as your birthday, family members’ names, or even pets as your password. You can also utilize two-factor authentication to strengthen your accounts’ and mobile device’s security measures.

 

• Refrain From Using Public Wi-Fi

It’d be worth noting that using public Wi-Fi connections can also put your mobile phones and data at risk. This is because most public networks aren’t secured. While coffee shops and hotels offer free access for your convenience, you must be wary of the apps you use in these places. As much as possible, refrain from shopping, doing banking transactions, and entering your email passwords while in public.

 

According to a 2021 study, there were approximately 726,000 searches related to hacking a smartphone brand in that year, increasing the rate by 22%. 

 

As such, it’s recommended to avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi connections. However, if you don’t have another option but to log in to public Wi-Fi connections, you must avoid checking ‘Remember Me’ boxes to help save yourself from being hacked.

 

• Turn Off Unnecessary Phone Features

Cybercriminals may use certain features on your mobile device to receive private information. That said, you should consider turning off features like wireless connection, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and geo-tracking. You can just turn them back on once you need them.

 

More so, location tracking exposes you to lesser privacy. Turning off this feature can revoke access from your service provider, disabling them to pinpoint your specific address and actively outsmart hackers.

 

• Assess Existing Apps

Among the remarkable technological innovations today are various apps that allow users to communicate conveniently. While apps are generally harmless, some apps can potentially open you up to data breach opportunities. 

 

With that said, consider decluttering your mobile device by filtering apps currently installed and deleting the ones you don’t use. But on the other hand, if you want to install new ones, conduct research about the app developer and the app’s features before downloading. Doing so can help you determine the app’s reputation, especially since you’d get to read online reviews and protect yourself from hackers.

 

• Be Wary About Suspicious Links

Malicious links are usually found in emails sent by suspicious accounts, but these can also be sent through Short Message Service (SMS). That said, you must regularly check who sent you the message and to whom it is directed so you can quickly outsmart possible hackers. Moreover, you shouldn’t click on it, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the addresses and sender.

 

Although, most phishing emails tend to pretend to be someone you are familiar with. Perhaps, your bank or a service provider. And as such, it’s essential to be observant. Validate the sender’s credentials first before clicking on any link. 

 

Unconsciously clicking multiple links is risky. In most cases, doing so covertly downloads software or viruses to disable your devices. In turn, receiving viruses on your computer allows scammers to retrieve your passwords and gain access to your files.

 

• Download Antivirus Software

Viruses might delete confidential files and slow your computers and smartphones. That said, another excellent way to combat hackers is by installing antivirus software. This proven tactic can help protect your device against unauthorized users that may threaten your operating system. 

 

Another advantage of this software is it helps you to detect real-time threats and actively safeguard your data. Most advanced antivirus programs can give automatic updates, further protecting your devices from potential threats. 

 

The Bottom Line 

As beneficial as the recent technological advances are, it’d be worth noting, too, that cybercriminals have access to these advances, which can make it easy for them to access and hack the confidential information of users. 

 

And considering the strategies mentioned above, you can be on a good start in outsmarting all types of hackers. In turn, you can go on with your day-to-day activities without constantly worrying about data threats.