Are iPhones and Androids still safe? Learn about the common risk factors and How to stay safe.

Threat levels

Let’s take a quick look at threat levels on both OS options:

1. Malicious Apps and Websites

Mobile devices have a kind of virus known as Mobile Malware. Just like laptops and desktops have a certain kind of virus, they can both be connected to the internet. This malicious software comes not only in the form of apps but also in the form of websites. This means these are your private data and make your device more vulnerable to other threats.

Android devices are open-source mobile devices that can be used to build apps by the general public and developers.

2. Ransomware, Malware, and Spyware

As the usage of mobile phones increases, the chances of the threats of viruses increase. There are different kinds of viruses that can impact your smartphone differently.

3. Malware

It is one of the most common types of virus found in mobile devices; its name is derived from the term “malicious software.” Here are three major types of viruses that you may unknowingly have in your smartphone:

Ransomware

Ransomware is a virus that attacks your phone and asks for ransom from the user.

Spyware

As the name suggests, this type of malware is one of the spooky of them all. These spy on the users and send the data to hackers behind the wall.

4. Phishing

Phishing is the most common virus that comes into existence. Phishing is usually done by sending malicious software to users via email.

5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

This is one of the most common reasons why we make our smartphones more vulnerable to viruses is when we keep on connecting to different networks unknowingly, which makes our devices more prone to cyber-attacks. MitM or man-in-the-middle attack is a kind of attack that involves the users connecting to insecure networks. Then the hacker uses this vulnerability to hack into their systems.

Tips on keeping your phone safe

Here are some measures you can look up to keep your phone safe from these viruses.

Make a Strong PIN

Use a strong pin to secure your smartphone. Make it a strong one. If your pin is an easy number sequence or it is just your name, it makes your device more vulnerable to attacks. Make your password a combination of numbers, letters, and special characters, or if you use a pin, ensure that it is hard to crack.

Use Additional Security Features

There are many additional security features that you can utilize to stay protected from vulnerable attacks that might be prone. Using biometrics as the primary access to your phone. This way, it is relatively impossible for attackers to exploit you. Mobile security is a must for all devices.

Set Up Security Alerts

Most smartphone apps nowadays have a certain kind of alert system that makes a certain kind of alert as soon as the files are exploited and notify the user. We recommend setting it up, as this will help you secure your device more.

Turn Off WiFi and Bluetooth When Not in Use

This is something we all do. We keep the mobile data and wi-fi on even when we don’t use the device. Make sure to avoid doing this, as this way; you are making your device more vulnerable to attackers.

Safeguard Your Device

Make sure that your device is never too exposed in public places. The reason behind this is that there are not only remote-based attacks that can affect your data but also offline ones. For example, if your phone is stolen, there is a high probability that the person holding it will exploit the data in it.

Download Wiping Software

Do not download any fishy software that might cause your phone to be prone to attackers. Instead, try to use the primary app store for Apple devices and Google Play Store for android ones, as this might lower your chance of downloading bad apps and software.