All articles tagged with #phone security
The article discusses the risks and drawbacks of switching to eSIM technology, highlighting concerns about losing access to phone numbers used for authentication and the potential security issues, contrasting it with the reliability of physical SIM cards, and suggesting alternative security measures like Google Fi's approach to mitigate these risks.
The article provides detailed advice on how protesters can prepare their phones for demonstrations by securing their devices with passcodes, disabling location tracking, encrypting data, neutralizing notifications, and being cautious about sharing content, to minimize surveillance and legal risks.
The FBI warns against replying to suspicious text messages, especially those pretending to be from known contacts or institutions, as they can lead to scams, data theft, or financial loss. Organized criminal gangs are using sophisticated tactics to lure victims into conversations that escalate into scams like romance, investment, or sextortion. Experts recommend verifying the sender independently, avoiding engagement, and using tools like Scam Guard or Scam Checker to report and analyze suspicious texts. Recent scams, including Amazon refund and QR code attacks, are surging, emphasizing the importance of cautious communication and proactive protection measures.
The article discusses the concept of a duress PIN, a secondary password on GrapheneOS that silently triggers a complete device wipe to protect sensitive data in coercive situations, emphasizing its importance for privacy and security, and exploring potential Android features inspired by this approach.
The article explains what stalkerware is, how to identify its presence on your phone through suspicious apps and permissions, and provides steps to remove it, including safety planning, checking app permissions, using safety features like Apple's Safety Check, performing factory resets, and securing accounts with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Samsung is urging UK customers to activate and update the latest anti-theft features on Galaxy devices, including new security measures like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Identity Check, to help combat phone thefts. The company is also launching an awareness campaign and providing guidance on remote device management and reporting stolen phones, in collaboration with the UK Home Office.
Criminals are targeting phones and passcodes, posing a threat to sensitive information and financial security. To protect against theft, experts recommend enabling stolen device protection in the new iOS 17.3 update, using biometric protection like face ID, and taking additional measures such as securing sensitive photos, using password managers, setting quick screen timeouts, enabling multi-factor authentication for financial apps, and being cautious about sharing your phone with strangers. If victimized, it's advised to immediately contact the carrier to block authentication texts and report the theft to Apple for account recovery.
Losing your phone can be a devastating experience, especially if you haven't taken the necessary precautions to protect your digital life. It is crucial to regularly back up your phone's data, either through your computer or to the cloud, to ensure that you have something to restore if your phone is lost or broken. Additionally, activating locator services like Apple's "Find My" can help you track and potentially recover your phone. It is also important to use unique and strong passwords for all your accounts and consider using a password manager to securely store them. Implementing multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security, but make sure you have a backup plan in case you lose access to your phone. Finally, consider adding app-specific locks to protect sensitive information on your phone.
The average lifespan of smartphones is around 2.5 years, with bigger brands like Apple and Samsung having longer lifespans. To determine your phone's end of life (EOL) date, you can check the manufacturer's information on the original box or within the phone's settings. Alternatively, you can use websites like "end of life date" to find EOL dates and lifecycles for various devices. Using a phone past its EOL date can pose security risks as manufacturers no longer provide security updates, leaving the device vulnerable to hackers. It is important to ensure your phone is safe and secure or consider upgrading to a newer device.
Losing or having your cell phone stolen while traveling can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to protect your information and potentially recover your device. Before traveling, secure your phone with a passcode or lock screen verification and set up phone locating features like Apple's Find My app. If your phone goes missing, try calling or messaging it to see if someone answers. Use phone-location features to track its whereabouts and take action accordingly. If you can't find your phone, remotely lock it and consider wiping its data. Change passwords for any apps or accounts on the phone and notify your cell phone carrier. Comprehensive travel insurance may offer reimbursement for lost or stolen phones, but coverage limits and exclusions may apply. File a police report if your phone is stolen and provide it to the insurance company.
Cybersecurity experts and hackers share lesser-known security tips, including checking recent login activity on email accounts, resetting printers if they start printing blank pages or unauthorized print jobs, disabling significant locations on iPhones to prevent tracking, remotely erasing lost phones, and being cautious about granting app permissions to access phone contacts.
Samsung Galaxy devices and Google Pixel phones with Exynos modems are vulnerable to internet-to-baseband remote code executions due to 18 zero-day vulnerabilities. Samsung has addressed some of the flaws with a security patch, but not all. To protect yourself, turn off specific 5G features such as WiFi calling and VoLTE calls settings until more patches are released.