Malicious software or "malware" is code that can potentially harm your mobile device and can breach security on personal information. Your mobile can get infected if you accidentally download malware that is in an email attachment or if you visit a sketchy website.

Once malware is on your phone it can steal your data lock it up so you can't get to it or even delete it. For this reason it's crucial that you always make sure to keep some points in mind to secure your data and mobile from any potential threat.

Here we are going to discuss some crucial tips on how to protect your phone from being hacked and avoid any malware attack.

Protect Your Data With Strong Passwords and Biometrics

Strong passwords and biometric security features like fingerprint authenticators cut down on unauthorized access by 90%. Almost no one can get in from the outside. Don't skip two-factor authentication if you want more security. Remember that your password must be hard to guess and contain a mix of letters numbers and other symbols.

Also don't put a lot of trust in Remember my password feature. You might lose your privacy. If you lose your mobile someone else might be able to use it fully. Every three months you should change your passwords.

Using strong unique passwords is the best way to keep your mobile device safe. Use the 1Password password manager to make and manage long complicated passwords that hackers won't bother to try to figure out.

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Be cautious of public Wi-Fi

When you travel investing in internet devices like mobile hotspots can help keep malware off of your phone. Cell phone users should be careful about the public wireless internet they are about to connect to when they are out in public. If the Wi-Fi isn't protected you might want to wait to log on until you're somewhere with a more reliable internet connection. It may also be suggested that you turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you're not using them. This will help keep malware from accessing your information through public Wi-Fi. It's also important to watch out for public charging stations which could also be infected with malware.

Anyone can take any information you put on a public network because they are not safe. Don't log in to banking or payment sites like PayPal on a public network and make sure you're logged out of such sites on your phone or tablet before connecting to a public network. Even when you shop online you usually have to give out your name address and credit card details which a hacker would love to get.

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Stay away from malicious apps

Most of the time hackers use apps and downloads to spread malware. Most apps you get from an official app store are safe but apps that are "pirated" or come from less reliable sources often also have malware. These are apps that look like they should be safe but they actually have spyware or other types of malware on them.

Malware-infected apps sometimes make it into official app stores. One recent example is the app InstaAgent which stole Instagram users' login information and sent it to a third-party server without the users' knowledge. Most of the time these apps are quickly found and taken care of but they show what can happen. Developers sometimes use tools that have been hacked because they were stolen. Everything made with these tools will then have bad code in it that could steal sensitive information or hurt the mobile device.

Be picky about which apps you download and only get apps from stores you know you can trust. Most of the time that keeps you from finding apps that contain malware.

Avoid opening suspicious emails

Scammers try to get your passwords account numbers or Social Security numbers by sending you emails or text messages loaded with mobile malware links. If they get that information they could get into your email bank or other accounts. Or they could give your information to other scammers.

Every day scammers try thousands of phishing attacks like these and many of them work. Delete it right away to keep yourself from opening it by accident in the future. Do not open any files that come with the message. Attachments could have viruses worms or spyware on them. Don't click on any links in the message.

Use VPN

VPNs or virtual private networks are a way to hide how you connect to the Internet. When you have to work on your phone or over a public network a VPN is the best way to protect yourself from hackers.

If you ever work on mobile using public Wi-Fi use NordVPN to secure your phone. A safe VPN connection creates an encrypted tunnel between your mobile and the server. Cybercriminals who are close won't be able to see what you are doing or steal your personal information. The only safe way to work online from airports cafes and other public places with free Wi-Fi is to connect to a VPN. When you use free Internet using a VPN lets you connect to a secure network. VPNs are also great for when you want to go to sites with low security.

Related: NordVPN vs Surf Shark which one is the best?

Avoid clicking popups

Pop-up ads are often used by stores in their e-newsletters flyers and promotions. Experts on the other hand warn customers to be aware of phishing scams. They can also be caused by apps from outside your phone that you have installed. App developers can make money by showing ads and the more ads they show the more money they make. Several of them return regularly because of this.

Hackers try to trick or confuse people who work online by making them see annoying pop-ups. Before going to random websites you don't know well install an ad blocker to avoid getting phished.

Backup your data

These tips will help you know how to secure your phone but it's always a good idea to have a backup plan.

First it makes switching to a new phone easy by letting you move the data you backed up from your old phone to your new phone.

Second it makes sure that your data stays with you if your phone is hacked or stolen. It lets you remotely wipe the data on a lost or stolen phone while keeping a safe copy of that data in the cloud.

Final words

Any electronic device can get a virus which can make the device useless. But when it comes to smartphones that can connect to the internet the danger level goes up by a huge amount. Because of this it's important for people to learn not only the latest features of their phones but also the problems they can cause if they're not used correctly.

This is an effort to show you some of the ways how to protect your phone from being hacked and stop mobile malware from getting into your smartphone. Follow these tips to make sure your device is safe and secure and to get the most out of it.