5 Popular Mobile Hacking Tools Used to Target Smartphone Users

As per 2015, 53% of internet traffic is through mobile phones, which has made the platform one of the potential targets for hackers and malware developers. Mobile malware is developed with the intention to disable your phone, control your device or steal valuable information.

Here are some of the most popular mobile hacking tools by which hackers target victims:

Malicious Apps

Mobile Apps that are infected with malware often seem to be just like legitimate apps such as any ordinary instant messaging and gaming applications. These apps can reconfigure the settings of your phone and perform activities like leaking sensitive information or sending emails on your behalf.

SMS Phishing

Sometimes mobile phone users are targeted through text messages that arrive from unknown numbers urging to reply or click on any provided link. This can also trick users into phishing scams.

Fake WiFi Networks

It is a tendency of smartphone users to search for open WiFi, but be aware! Such kind of open WiFi might be a trap laid down by hackers to acquire your important login credentials.

One Ring Scam

Popularly known as the One Ring Wireless Phone Scam, here the scammer calls a mobile phone user and hangs up with the objective of receiving a callback. Be cautious! These numbers can be premium numbers calling which you may end up paying high call charges.  The best way to avoid this scam is to check any unfamiliar area codes before initiating a call.

Keyloggers

These can be in the form of both hardware and software and their main objective is to capture the information that you type through your mobile keyboard. While software keyloggers are programs that are installed on your smartphone, hardware keyloggers target your mobile phone sensors. The captured information is passed on to the hacker’s server.

Useful Tips to Hackproof Your Smartphone

Since your mobile phone has become a necessity these days, it is important to keep it safe. Here are some points to consider:

• Review your mobile phone periodically to check which type of apps are installed and the permissions given to these apps. You might be surprised to find a number of outdated apps on your phone that need to be cleared out.
• Don’t let intruders access your phone. Ensure that you use the security options provided by your phone such as lock password, fingerprint and facial recognition.
• Install an antivirus with anti-theft feature to ensure that your data does not get compromised in case your phone is lost or stolen. With anti-theft feature on your phone, you can track the location of your phone or generate alarm to easy tracking.
• Don’t use easy and obvious passwords like your name, birth date, etc. Such information can be easily captured by hackers from your social profiles. Therefore, use difficult and unique combinations in your passwords.
• Stay safe on open WiFi networks as snoopers can capture your mobile activities and can misuse the information. It is always recommended to use your mobile data so that you can browse online safely.
• It is better to set passwords for individual apps on your phone so that your data remains secure even if you give your mobile to someone for a while.
• Disable notifications from apps installed on your phone as they can reveal crucial information when visible through lock screen.
• With new apps being released each day, you must make sure what to download and what not. Always prefer trusted sources when downloading apps.