Not only do most people have a smartphone but most of us keep it close by most of the time. Smartphones are becoming essential devices, both for everyday life and work purposes. The downside is that it makes the smartphone a much more attractive target for hackers and cybercriminals. Smartphones never used to be targeted as much, and so you might not be fully informed on how to maximize mobile device security and spot the warning signs of a cyberattack.
Apps that want endless permissions
If you’ve ever downloaded an app – and of course you have! – you’ll be familiar with the installation procedure and the page where it asks for permissions. It’s true that some access to particular files may be needed for the application to work properly, but sometimes the access requests seem over the top. For example, does an app really need access to your contacts list? You should look carefully at what permissions an app asks for. If it seems excessive, maybe you should look for another one that’s less intrusive. You should also always go to established app stores to download applications. These stores monitor the apps they offer so that they don’t permit malicious software.
Battery drainage
It’s common sense that the more you use your phone the faster the battery drains. If you don’t use it much or if it’s regularly in airplane mode then the battery discharges more slowly. If your battery charge suddenly drops, don’t assume that it’s the battery that’s the issue. It could indicate a more serious problem.
It could be malware running in the background on your phone that’s sucking the life out of your battery. Malicious apps can constantly collect data from your phone without your knowledge. You can check this out in your battery settings, where you can find out how much power different phone apps consume.
Password failures
Have you ever tried to sign in to an account on your phone, only to get the message ‘incorrect password’? Okay, you reason, you must have mistyped it. You try it again and the same thing happens. What’s going on? Password rejection is often a reliable sign that someone has hacked the account in question and changed your login details. If so, you can try to reclaim the account. As a matter of best practice you should also reset passwords for your other accounts too. If possible, consider restoring your device from a backup to make sure any malware that’s been installed is eliminated.
Quikteks technical support can help you manage all your technology infrastructure, including mobile devices and smartphones. For more information on mobile device security, give us a call at (973) 882-4644.