I can’t remember the last time I converted Your phone on? Is Bluetooth always on? Do you plug in any charger you can find?
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If you answered yes to any of these questions, the NSA says you’re playing catch up with your privacy. The NSA’s purpose is to listen and collect communications from satellites, cell phones and elsewhere.
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Let’s take a deeper look at five smartphone rules they use that you can use, too.
1. Restart your phone once a week
It’s very simple and totally worth doing. Turn off your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This combats zero-click exploits where a hacker can get in simply by sending you the correct code.
Warning: Rebooting will not work with other types of malware. If your phone is infected, You will need to do a full factory reset.
2. Disable Bluetooth when you don’t need it
Bluetooth works Similar to Wi-Fi and cellular networks, but perform simpler tasks over shorter ranges. You don’t need a cellular signal or network connection to use Bluetooth, and it doesn’t use data. Like any other connection, it is not 100% secure.
A driver was photographed holding an iced coffee and a cell phone while in the car. (Istock)
Hackers and scammers have to be close to you to be able to use Bluetooth to hijack your phone. But in almost any public place, you’re at arm’s length from strangers.
NSA tip: Turn off Bluetooth when you’re not using it. This will help improve battery life as well.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth And change it on. You can also swipe down from the top right of the screen to open Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon.
- The same steps work for Android phones. Go to Settings > Connected devices > Contact preferences > Bluetooth And change it on. (Note: Steps may vary based on your phone model. Look for or search for Bluetooth if these steps do not match your phone.)
Airplane mode also disables Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, among other things, so it works minimally — but you won’t receive calls or texts.
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3. Skip generic USB ports
In spaces like Airport Or café, hackers can use them to install malware or steal your data. Now, actual cases of juice theft are rare in the United States but they still pose a real threat. This happens through USB connections, so if the kiosk has actual power outlets to charge your phone with your adapter, you’re good to go.
Stay away from USB ports, regardless of their size, especially when traveling abroad. USB standards are international, and foreign hackers can target USB ports in hotels or rentals to steal your data, even if you’re not using a kiosk.
More and more public kiosks have wireless charging pads instead of USB devices. This method does not exchange data directly with your phone, so it is virus-free by default.
If you’re in desperate need of juice, you can safely use a USB connection… with the right cable. Package A Charging cable only For your trip. They are cheap, small in size, and do not allow data transfer.
A businessman is seen working on a laptop. (Istock)
4. Do not use public Wi-Fi networks
It’s a playground for voyeurs. Public Wi-Fi is open to everyone, and every device is vulnerable, whether it’s your smartphone, Laptop or tablet.
Just because a public Wi-Fi network appears and asks if you want to join it doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. If you’re at a café or hotel, ask a staff member for the exact name of their Wi-Fi network. Scammers sometimes set up networks called “Coffee Shop” or “Hotel Guest” to make you think you’re connected to the real thing, when in reality you’re not.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: If your login requires a username and password, you should only access that site from your own network. If you need to access sensitive sites or information on a public network, don’t do so without enabling a VPN.
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5. Cover the microphone and camera
The NSA says it’s best to use a protective case that blocks the microphone and covers the camera when you’re not using it.
In “microphone hot” attacks, hackers activate your microphone without your knowledge so they can listen in on your conversations. This happens when your device is hacked in some way, Usually through malware Or an app that takes advantage of the permissions you’ve granted. Most people aren’t the targets of attacks like this, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Start with app permissions to check the access you’ve distributed:
- Apple iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy and securityand see the list of apps and permissions they have.
- Google Pixel: Opens Settings > Security and privacy > privacy > Permissions Manager.
- Samsung Galaxy: Head to Settings > Security and privacy > Permissions Manager.
A woman uses her smartphone while waiting to board a plane at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images)
It’s not just hackers to worry about. Most of what you type, search or buy is tracked, in one way or another.
The only impenetrable layer of security is physically blocking the audio or camera feed. There are expensive cases that do this job, or you can buy one Microphone blocker For about $10.
Slides into headphone port to stop recording. You’ll need an adapter unless your phone still has an audio jack. For a cheaper DIY option, take your oldest wired headphones, cut them up and plug them into an adapter.
Pro Tip: When your phone’s microphone is on or has been recently accessed, you’ll see a small icon Orange dot At the top of the screen. You will see a Green dot If the camera is in use or recorded recently.
While you have this in mind, go a step further. And here A Quick phone cleaning for 5 minutes I like to do it several times a year.
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