![]() Furthermore, your phone’s serial number can be downloaded and used to turn off the phone. A Bluetooth user running the right software from a laptop can discover a nearby phone and steal the contact list, phonebook and images etc. Like bluejacking, it depends on a connection to a Bluetooth phone being available. Bluesnarfingīluesnarfing is the actual theft of data from Bluetooth enabled devices (especially phones). It could be used to spread malware, as well. In some cases, this is used to send obscene or threatening messages or images. Bluejackingīluejacking uses a feature originally intended to exchange contact information to send anonymous, unwanted messages to other users with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones or laptops. ![]() Scareware is similar to ransomware, except it only tries to make you think your device has been compromised or infected by a virus. Criminals “threaten to seize, damage, or release electronic data owned by the victim,” with the main goal being to obtain money rather than data. For smartphones, it’s best to turn VPN on only when on an insecure connection or app in order to preserve battery life. Kevin Du, a computer science professor at Syracuse University, claims that “if you don’t have a VPN, you’re leaving a lot of doors on your perimeter open.” A VPN or a Virtual Private Network “creates a secure connection between you and the internet,” which means your IP address (all your internet activity) and your location are encrypted, keeping hackers and cybercriminals away. Since we are constantly trying to connect to public Wi-Fi networks, there is a constant threat of these networks stealing your personal information. This information in turn goes straight to the scammer to steal and use your details. This email usually contains a link that asks you to verify information. Phishing or Smishing usually starts as an email or text claiming to be from a person or business that you know. If your device has been infected with the malware, you lose all access to every part of your phone until you pay a ransom to the hacker/criminal who has taken control over your device. Mobile Ransomware is malware that locks up your device. Bluesnarfing is the actual theft of data from Bluetooth enabled devices (including both mobile phones and laptops): contact lists, phonebooks, images and other data may be stolen in this way. It can be a serious problem if obscene or threatening messages and images are sent. Bluejacking is the sending of unwanted or unsolicited messages to strangers via Bluetooth technology. While viruses that target smartphones are simply the mobile versions of ones that target your desktop or laptop computer, man-in-the-middle attacks take advantage of free Wi-Fi in order to place hackers between your device and a Wi-Fi hotspot and steal your information and details from your apps. Many software threats now target smartphones specifically, so approaches to cybersecurity that are based on desktop computers are not always effective. ![]() Keep in mind, though, that email accounts are sometimes hacked and used to send spam, so treat even email from people you know with caution. If you use and update good security software, stick to reputable websites and only open files sent to you by senders you know and marked as “safe” by your email provider, you should be able to avoid most threats. ![]() Most vendors also issue patches that close down vulnerabilities exploited by email viruses. A comprehensive security suite will have specific anti-spyware and dedicated adware removal software and provides general protection from viruses. Fortunately, many anti-virus programs, as well as comprehensive security software, exist to prevent the effects of software threats.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |