Securing Your Phone

Most people carry their entire digital life in their pocket. From banking apps and email to photos, contacts, and even work accounts, smartphones have become the center of our personal and professional worlds. That convenience also makes them an irresistible target for cybercriminals. A compromised phone can reveal nearly everything about you: where you live, who you talk to, what you buy, and how you move through your day. Understanding how attackers try to exploit mobile devices is a good first step toward keeping yours safe.

One of the biggest smartphone threats is malware. Mobile malware often disguises itself as a harmless app (a free game, flashlight, or utility tool) that requests unnecessary permissions. Once installed, it can steal login credentials, monitor activity, or even record keystrokes.¹ On Android devices especially, users who install apps from outside the official Google Play Store take on extra risk, since those apps don’t go through the same security checks. Sticking to official app stores and reading app reviews before installing anything is one of the simplest defenses, but still very effective.

Another common attack vector is phishing through texts or messaging apps. These messages might claim that there’s a problem with your bank account or a delivery waiting for confirmation, then prompt you to click a link. That link might lead to a fake login page or automatically download a harmful app. Just like email phishing, these scams rely on urgency and familiarity to make you react without thinking. The rule of thumb is if a message seems suspicious or pressures you to act fast, don’t tap any links. Instead, open the app or website directly yourself, or disregard it altogether if it’s an obvious scam.

Public Wi-Fi can also expose smartphones to risk. When you connect to an unsecured network, attackers nearby can intercept or manipulate your traffic in what’s known as a man-in-the-middle attack. This can allow them to steal passwords, change your data in transit, or inject malicious content.² Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public networks, and use a trusted VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you absolutely must connect, it protects your data through encryption.

Phones can also be targeted through outdated software. Both Android and iOS regularly release updates that patch security flaws discovered by researchers (or exploited by hackers). Many people delay or ignore these updates, leaving their devices vulnerable. Make it a habit to install system and app updates as soon as they’re available. Turning on automatic updates ensures your phone quietly defends itself while you go about your day.

Physical access is another underestimated risk. A lost or stolen phone can hand an attacker direct access to everything inside unless it’s properly secured. Always use a strong passcode or biometric lock like fingerprint or facial recognition, and avoid simple patterns or short PINs. Enable features like Find My iPhone or Find My Device, which allow you to remotely lock or erase your phone if it’s lost. Encryption is also critical; most modern phones do this by default, ensuring your data remains unreadable without your passcode.

Another subtle but growing threat is spyware, which can be installed if someone gets temporary access to your device. Spyware quietly monitors your messages, calls, and locations, often for stalking or theft. Keep your phone with you, never leave it alone while unlocked, and periodically check your app permissions and installed apps. If something seems off (like your battery draining fast or strange behavior) it might be time to run a mobile security scan or reset your device.

Rogue charging stations and malicious accessories can also pose hidden dangers. In the same way people steal credit card info through compromised readers, public USB charging ports can be replaced to steal data or install malware when you plug in.³ To stay safe, use your own charger and plug directly into a power outlet. If you want to go even further, a tool called a “USB data blocker” will allow charging without transferring data.

Bluetooth and NFC (near field communication) features, while convenient, can also be exploited. Attackers can use vulnerabilities in these wireless connections to intercept data or connect without permission. Turn off Bluetooth, AirDrop, and any other NFC services when you’re not using them, and set your device to “non discoverable” mode so strangers can’t see it. For contactless payments and pairing, only enable these features momentarily when you need them.

Backing up your phone regularly is another overlooked defense. Whether you use iCloud, Google Drive, or another secure backup service, having a recent copy of your data ensures that even if your device is stolen, lost, or wiped clean, your information isn’t gone forever. It also makes it much easier to recover from ransomware or a serious malware infection without losing everything important to you. It’s easy to shrug off mobile backups, but the headache of losing everything with a device really isn’t worth it.

Lastly, installing a trusted mobile security app can add an extra layer of protection. These tools can scan for malicious apps, warn you about unsafe websites, and sometimes even alert you if your personal data appears in a data breach. Combine that with good habits like locking your phone, reviewing permissions, avoiding random links, and staying alert, and you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of ever becoming a victim.

¹ “M2FD: Mobile malware federated detection under concept drift”, by Augello, A, De Paola, A, and Lo Re, G, May 2025
² “MITM attacks in public Wi-Fi networks without rogue access points”, by Feng, X, May 2023
³ “To (US)Be or Not to (US)Be: Discovering Malicious USB Peripherals through Neural Network-Driven Power Analysis”, by Koffi, A et al., May 2024