Passwords

The first step you should take is to add a password to your smart phone that has to be entered when it is powered up and before the screen is unlocked. All major platforms, including Android and Windows Phone, will let you add a password in this way, usually as a series of four numbers. This PIN gives you easy access to your mobile phone but protects your details from casual browsers should it be lost or stolen.

App Understanding

The second thing to consider is that smart phones, just like computers, will only get viruses if you download files without thinking about the consequences. With Android in particular, hackers can create a backdoor to your data through malicious applications that you might have downloaded from the entirely legitimate Android Market. Google does monitor its apps and selects only those which it deems to be harmless, but this has not prevented a slew of dangerous programs slipping through the net and playing havoc with some users’ phones.

Security Software

The best way to protect against infection in this manner is to be cautious. Do a little research, read user reviews and check the web to see whether or not an app is safe to use or harbouring some unwanted digital parasite. There is, however, another way to protect your phone, which is through dedicated anti-virus applications. Major software companies who work on suites for Windows PCs have begun creating similar programs designed to secure your smart phone and eradicate any unwelcome visitors. You may have to pay for these services, but the investment could be well worth it.

Wi-Fi Usage

Some hackers will be able to pull information from your phone without even getting software on to it. This can happen if you are using an unsecured wi-fi hotspot in a public place such as a cafe or library. Cyber-criminals can monitor the airwaves and grab data without your knowledge. The best advice is to only use public wi-fi networks for basic tasks that do not involve the transfer of personal information. Ideally, for improved security you should rely on your smart phone’s own 3G connection to go online when you are out and about. Your password-protected, encrypted wi-fi at home is good alternative if you are worried about your smart phone’s monthly data allowance.

Update Your Mobile OS

You would not leave your Windows PC without the latest updates for too long for fear of a virus exploiting a recently patched loophole. The same should apply to your smart phone. Some mobile platforms are updated more regularly than others, but you should be able to check directly on your handset or by plugging your phone into your PC via USB.

Common sense can be your most powerful tool when it comes to smart-phone security. These tips have hopefully revealed a bit more about the murky techniques of mobile hackers and how best to avoid being stung by them.

This article How to protect your smartphone from getting hacked was originally published on Techonzo

Hundreds of personal Gmail accounts, including those of some senior U.S. government officials, were hacked as a result of a massive phishing scheme originating from China, Google said on Wednesday. via @cnn

Google also said “The account hijackings were a result of stolen passwords, likely by malware installed on victims’ computers or through victims’ responses to e-mails from malicious hackers posing as trusted sources. That type of hack is known as phishing. Gmail’s security systems themselves were not compromised.”

So how you can save your Gmail account from getting hacked?

Here are some ways-

1. Always use HTTPS.

HTTPS is used to encrypt data as it is transmitted between computers on the Internet, so look for the “https” in the URL bar of your browser to indicate that the connection between your computer and Gmail’s servers is encrypted. Open Settings and choose “Always use HTTPS” on the General tab if you want to turn it on.

2. Don’t share your personal information with any strange person.

This is very common these days, you must be getting several phishing mails. The worst part is these mail will have your friends name as the sender. Suppose you have a friend called ‘John’, its on high probability that you will get a mail from a ‘John’ only; but that is not your friend. So just confirm the email address before you share any personal information. You personal information can be a hint for them to guess you password.

3. Use 2-step Verification

2-step verification adds an extra layer of security to your Google Account by requiring you to have access to your phone – as well as your username and password – when you sign in. This means that if someone steals or guesses your password, the potential hijacker still can’t sign in to your account because they don’t have your phone.  Check out the below video to understand 2-step verification.

4. Use a strong Password and change it on a periodically

Yeah this is a must thing, you should have a strong alphanumeric password, check more details here. Having a strong password is not enough, it is highly recommended that you change it on a regular intervals.

5. Keep a track on your Account Activity

Gmail has a very useful feature of tracking your Account Activities. Scroll Down to the end of the inbox, and you will see a footer like this -

click on the details and you will get know what all activities are going on with your email account. In this way you can also check whether your account is hacked or not.

If you want some more tips to safeguard your gmail account, check this too.

This article Save your Gmail from getting hacked was originally published on Techonzo