Hacking isn’t just a problem reserved for computers anymore. The newest targets hackers are going after are mobile devices, including tablets and even smartphones. That’s a scary thought when you consider how many messages, photographs, and even passwords are stored on your smartphone, but there are some steps you can take to make any mobile device hacker-proof.

Use a Smartphone Lock

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With so much personal information residing inside a smartphone, it’s no wonder everyone from teenagers to business professionals are turning to smartphone locks as a way of keeping this information private. Locks are available on almost every type of phone, and they are relatively easy to use. Most smartphones have this lock feature under Settings. It’s just a matter of finding the option and setting a lock code. As with any password, ensure that the lock code is something you can remember, but not a code easily guessed by friends, family, or co-workers. Once the lock code is in place, only you will be able to access your mobile device.

Use Passwords

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Aside from having a smartphone lock, use passwords whenever possible. For example, it’s more convenient to check voicemail without a password in place, but not having one leaves you open to the possibility of someone else accessing your private messages.

It doesn’t matter whether you own a 7 inch Android tablet, iPhone or Windows phone, most smartphones come with a default voicemail password. It’s your responsibility to set up a new password, and it’s always best to do this immediately after getting a new phone. Set up a password that is difficult to guess, and try to change it regularly.

Install Security Software

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There is no such thing as a virus for a smartphone, but there are malware apps going around that can steal your information. Many smartphones support mobile security software, which are apps that can notify you if there are any malware activities detected.

Try to use a security application that allows you to control your mobile device if it’s ever stolen or compromised. This means you can wipe any personal data and track the phone’s location when needed. As with every other aspects of your smartphone, protect any security app with a password so only you can access it.

Get Rid of Affected SIM Cards

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A SIM card is a smartphone user’s identity. It serves to identity you to the mobile service provider, but it can also be a wealth of information for any hacker. If your smartphone ever begins to work slower than normal, this could indicate suspicious activity, and the device may be compromised.

In order to ensure a hacker doesn’t access any SIM card information, discard the SIM and replace it with a new one. Even if you have a mobile contract, it’s a good idea to regularly change the SIM card since it takes months for any mobile registry to associate you with a new one. This ensures you’re always staying one step ahead of any would-be hackers.

Hackers will always work to find ways around security measures, but being mindful of your smartphone’s capabilities and taking steps to hack-proof your phone cut down on the chances that you’ll ever fall victim to these unscrupulous individuals.

Sources:

http://johnb0127.hubpages.com/hub/Cell-Phone-Locks

http://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Your-Cell-Phone-from-Being-Hacked

http://www.informit.com/guides/content.aspx?g=security&seqNum=92

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/289437/20120130/top-8-ways-hack-proof-mobile-phone.htm

Via AkihabaraNews Guest Contributor:
Shaun Chatman is a well published author on many authority sites. He lives in Dunedin, FL, and spends his free time playing with his kids or his gadgets.