Phone hacking is the practice of manipulating or gaining unauthorized access to mobile phones, such as by intercepting telephone calls or accessing voicemail messages. When the unauthorized access is to the phone user's conversation, it is more commonly referred to as phone tapping.
The term came to prominence during the News International phone-hacking scandal, in which it was alleged (and in some cases proved in court) that the British tabloid newspaper the News of the World had been involved in the interception of voicemail messages of the British Royal Family, other public figures, and a murdered schoolgirl named Milly Dowler.
Ways to Hack a Cell Phone Remotely
Using Malware
It is one of the oldest and very secure options when it comes to spying on a phone remotely. People have been using this option for decades. Even the earliest hacks were done using malware. In this method, the hackers install any app or send a file to the target phone.
As soon as the person opens the file, the whole device gets infected. The file corrupts the data and makes it easy for hackers to get access to the data and information. They get complete control over the phone and can check anything. The malware can never be detected unless a complete process is followed. Thus the device is hacked remotely.
This option is secure and safe.
It is an easy way to hack a phone remotely.
The target person cannot find out the malware on their phone.
It is a cheaper and more affordable option.
It does work instantly and hacks a phone in seconds.
Using Malicious Apps
Here come the second option hackers have been deploying for years to hack any cell phone remotely. This method is also safe and has no particular issues. But it takes some time as you have to wait for the person to download an app and install on their device.
Third-party or unofficial apps are used to target the phones. When a person downloads and installs a malicious app on their phone, it may infect it. The phone is hacked with the app and all data is controlled by the hackers. In this option, the phone owner weird behaviour of the device but they are unable to figure out they are being spied on.
Malicious apps are commonly used for hacking.
It takes some time as users have to download apps.
This option is also safe and secure.
The malicious apps are hard to remove and get rid of.
It is the best option to hack phone remotely.
Using Spyware
Many of you have maybe familiar with the spyware app. These are also the apps or files which are installed on the target phones remotely to hack them. Owner of the phone can never know how the spyware was installed on their phone. Sometimes, it is just a file which is stored on the target device.
The spyware allows hackers to get access to data and information on the target phones. In this method, hackers can do whatever they want. This can be done in revenge when someone wants to spy on another person and steal their data. The spyware does help a lot in this regard and make it easy for hackers to access data.
Spywares are usually used for spying on any smartphone.
They are quite safe and come without any issues.
Using spyware is also convenient.
They give you access to data on the target phones.
They work remotely so you will be relaxed.
Using Public Wi-Fi
There is another method commonly used for hacking any cell phone remotely and that is to use the public WiFi connections. We see a lot of people using government-provided WiFi connections on their devices and computers. It actually makes their phone vulnerable to hackers.
When so many people are connected to the same WiFi connection, it becomes easy for hackers to get access to the data on all the phones. They use spyware or various files so infect the devices. When it is done, the phone gives hackers access to the system and all the data inside. That is why it is recommended to avoid using public WiFi.
Very safe and secure option to hack any device.
It takes minutes to infect the phones and steal data.
This option is free and costs nothing at all.
It is more effective when you want to steal data from more users.
Target phone user will never learn about it.
Using Spy Apps
This is the last option on our list. The use of spy apps has become quite acceptable as mass levels. A lot of parents use spy tools to track the phone of their kids and children. Employers also have such apps that keep eyes on their staff and help them protect the data.
A spy app is used remotely on the target phones. When the app has been installed, it starts working and hacks the phone. The target person can get access to any information and data on the device. It is the best and an ideal option if you want to spy on any cell phone in 2019.
This option is quite safe.
It tracks the phone and spies on everything.
Spy apps work in the background so you will be secure.
It can hack social media and other apps on the target phones.
The target user will not know about the spy app on their phone.
The Best Spy App- BlurSPY Software
BlurSPY is the best spy app in the market these days. It provides users with a wide range of useful features that make tracking and spying very easy and fun. This app is way more affordable than other apps but also offers even better and more advanced features. It also works in the background so you will not be worried about your security.
Clever Smartphone Hacks And Tricks
1. Improve audio recording by covering your phone mic.
You wouldn’t think it makes sense, but you can actually improve your audio quality on videos by covering your microphone. The reason is that it muffles background noise, letting you more clearly hear the main audio stream. Just use a finger to cover the microphone while you’re capturing your video.
2. Use a marker and a hairdryer to turn a long charger cord into a spiral cord.
If you’re tired of wrangling with long charging cables, turn them into spiral cords in just a few minutes. Wrap the cord around a thick marker and run a hair dryer on low heat over it for a minute or two until the cord stays in place. Voila — you have a charger that’s easy to handle but can also be stretched.
3. Use hot glue to make a simple DIY phone case.
Phone cases can be expensive, but you need one to protect your phone, which is both fragile and pricey. Rather than drop a lot of money on a store bought one, why not make your own? Just cover your phone with wax paper to protect from the mess and trace the outline with a hot glue gun. When it dries, peel off and fit around your phone.
4. Use a piece of silicone to make an easy hanging phone lanyard.
If you don’t like keeping your phone in your pocket, look for an easy pattern for a lanyard. Use a sheet of silicone or foam (you can find it at any crafting store) to trace and cut it out. Then use a hot glue gun to attach to a lanyard. Presto, easy carrying for your cell phone and easy reach for you.
5. Get better pictures with a pair of sunglasses.
If you think you can’t get good photos with a regular SmartPhone camera, think again. You can always download filters if you don’t like the look of your pictures, but there are even simpler hacks to improve them. If the light in your picture is too glaring, just aim your phone camera through a pair of sunglasses. It will reduce glare, even lighting, and give you a great picture.
6. Reinforce cracked chargers with heat shrink tubing and yarn.
After a while of use, phone chargers tend to start to crack, bend, and break down. Reinforce them with some heat shrink tubing and yarn. Just wrap the tubing around the damaged part and gently warm with a hair dryer until it shrinks down to a snug fit. Then wrap with colorful yarn for an extra layer of protection.
7. Speed up charging time without turning your phone off.
We’ve all been told that in order to make our phones charge faster, we need to power them down while they’re plugged in. But there’s actually no need. Just turn your phone to airplane mode while it charges and you’ll cut your charging time in half. And, as we’ve also all been told, don’t use it while it’s plugged in.
8. Save damaged chargers with a pen spring.
Another, even simpler way to protect damaged chargers is with a pen spring. We’ve all taken apart a pen before when we were bored during class and found the tiny spring inside that’s used for click pens. Carefully bend to widen enough to fit around the charger head, then squeeze back down to size until the wire fits snugly around the cord.
9. Change your lock screen to your contact details for easy phone recovery.
If you’re worried about your phone going missing in a busy public place, try this simple trick. Just turn your lock screen to your name and an alternative phone number or email address so that anyone who finds it can contact you without trying to access your contacts. Now you just have to hope that the person who finds it is a Good Samaritan!
10. Store your valuables in your phone case.
If you don’t like keeping track of a phone and a wallet (or, even worse, a purse) when you go out, there’s an even easier way to keep your personal possessions safe. Just slip them in between your phone and phone case for easy storage. This works for cash, credit cards, and your I.D. Unfortunately, there’s no room for your car keys.
11. Use an eraser to clear away those phone screen smudges.
You probably use your phone all day, so it gets a lot of smudges on the screen. There’s nothing more annoying than a dirty phone screen, but luckily, it’s super easy to clean. Just grab a regular chunky eraser (the big pink kind you used in school) and run smoothly along the screen. It will grab all the oil and dirt and clean it away.
12. Protect your phone from damage from moisture with a Ziploc bag.
If you’re going to the pool or the beach, make sure you pop your phone into a plastic bag for easy protection. It’s too easy to get a cell phone wet and cause irreparable damage. What’s more, you don’t even have to take your phone out to use it. In fact, many people use this hack to carry their phone with them into the shower!
13. Take a picture of your space in a parking lot to remember where your car is.
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting lost in a crowded parking lot because you can’t remember where you put your car. You can solve the problem by snapping a picture of something recognizable nearby, whether it’s a marked section of the parking lot (“Lot A”) or something else. No racking your brain to remember where you were!
14. Use a keyboard shortcut to save your email address.
Whenever you want to order something online or log on to a personal account, you’ll probably have to enter your email address. But that can be annoying, with a tiny keyboard, special characters, and spell check getting in the way. Save time and frustration by adding your email address as a keyboard shortcut to make log-ins quick and simple.
15. Need a USB port to charge in your hotel room? Check the TV.
There’s nothing worse than getting to a hotel room on a trip and realizing you don’t have a phone charger. Luckily, lots of SmartPhones are adapted to standard cables. If you have one but can’t find an outlet or don’t have a charging dock, there’s a simple solution: check the back of the TV. Most televisions have USB ports that your phone charger can snap into without an issue.
16. Run a rubber band through your car’s AC vent for a DIY phone holder.
Google Maps and other navigating tools are amazing inventions, but it can be annoying — not to mention dangerous — to try to look at a map while driving. There’s no need to run out and buy an expensive car mount for your phone. Just string a rubber band or hair tie through the slits in your AC vent. Slip your phone into them for an easy way to keep it upright so you can keep your eyes on the road and get the directions you need.
17. Use screenshots instead of Google Maps.
Speaking of phone navigation, another downside to it is that it can quickly drain your battery life. To save your phone juice, look up your route before you hit the road. Then take a few screenshots so that you know where you’re going. That way, you have the directions without using up all your data while trying to reach your destination.
18. Use airplane mode to improve your phone signal.
If you’re in a place where your phone is struggling to connect to the tower, there’s a simple hack that only takes a few seconds. Just switch your phone over to airplane mode very briefly, then turn it back off. Airplane mode helps your phone find the best available signal nearby, so it’s a great way to help when you’re stuck without service.
19. Download black wallpaper to save your battery.
One of the ways your phone drains its battery life is by using the phone brightness. You can cut back on this by downloading dark wallpaper. When your phone is set to Home Screen, there will be no need to use battery life to make sure it’s backlit.
20. Use your flashlight and a cup of water to make an emergency light.
Phone flashlights are quickly replacing regular flashlights since most people have their phone on them at all times. But those phone flashlights can be harsh on the eyes. To soften and disperse light, set your phone face down on a hard surface so that the flashlight is facing upward, then cover with a cup or bottle of water. It will turn that harsh beam into a DIY lamp that provides emergency light.
Ways to Secure Your Smartphone Against Hackers
1. Update your OS and apps promptly.
Most people are guilty of postponing or ignoring operating system updates and app updates, but doing so on a regular basis can open you up to a data breach. Hackers know how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems; as those vulnerabilities are made known to the company, improvements are made to increase security and eliminate weaknesses. The longer you wait to update your phone or laptop, the more out of date your systems are, making you an easier target for hackers.
If your small business utilizes a BYOD (bring your own device) policy, establish a training and awareness program for your employees. Make sure your staff understands that they are expected to take reasonable security precautions when using their smartphones and tablets, including running regular updates and being discerning about app downloads.
2. Lock your devices.
Sure, it's a lot easier to keep your phone unlocked all the time because you can get to your email, camera, texts, and other features more quickly, but just think how you would feel if a stranger found your phone on a bus seat or in a coffee shop and could just tap on your business apps, contacts, and even banking information. If your phone contains client information, you could even end up in the embarrassing position of informing your clients that their data has been compromised, essentially due to negligence.
To prevent that from happening, always engage the four- or six-digit passcode – or set up a longer alphanumeric code – so that if you ever lose track of your phone, it won't open your entire business to a stranger. Utilizing fingerprint scanning and facial identification is also an excellent option, as it's faster and easier than memorizing an unlock code. Also, be sure to password-protect all mobile apps that contain personal data, such as banking, email and your Amazon account. Don't use the same password for all your accounts, and change your passwords occasionally for good measure.
3. Utilize mobile device management, small business style.
If a work phone gets lost or stolen, you can contain the damage using basic smartphone features. Both Apple and Google offer find device services, such as Find My iPhone and Android's Find My Device, that can locate your phone on a map and automatically disable it. These services can also make your phone ring, either alarming the thief or just locating a phone you have temporarily lost track of. You can even arrange for the phone to delete all information after five to 10 false passcode tries.
For small business owners who want more control, affordable mobile device management software is a good option. If your business currently uses Microsoft Office 365, you should already have access to MDM features through Mobile Device Management for Office 365. There are also stand-alone MDM products like AirWatch's Workspace ONE (a VMware product) and Hexnode, but despite offering SMB solutions, Office 365's MDM is far more suitable for most small business owners.
4. Use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wisely.
Most people don't think twice about jumping on a free public Wi-Fi connection, but people operating devices with sensitive business information on them should exercise caution. Business travelers often use hotel or conference center Wi-Fi. In general, this is an OK practice as businesses like reputable hotels and event venues have a vested interest in maintaining the security of their Wi-Fi users. However, free public Wi-Fi in areas like shopping centers, cafes, airports, parks or gyms, is often far less secure.
Try to use only your private cell connection whenever possible and switch off Wi-Fi on your mobile phone whenever you are in a public place. And, of course, do not sign on to unencrypted open networks. If that is not possible, consider using a VPN, but choose carefully, as all are not created equal. A VPN tunnels your network traffic through an encrypted connection to a server based in another location. Unless you are wearing a smartwatch that requires a Bluetooth connection for functionality, it's also a good idea to disable Bluetooth when you're out and about.
5. Use two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the least-favorite security options around because, as the name implies, it requires an extra step. However, it offers another solid barrier to accessing your private information, and two-factor authentication is much easier to use now (thanks to biometric scanners and save-password features) than it used to be.
6. Manage app permissions.
Check the apps on your phone to determine whether they have more privileges than they need to get the job done. You can grant apps permissions like access to the camera, the microphone, your contacts and your location. Keep track of which permissions you've given to which apps, and revoke permissions that are not needed.
For iPhones, go to Settings and tap on Privacy, where you'll see a list of all permissions and the apps you've granted them to. Android users can find app permissions in the Application Manager under Device > Application in some Android versions.
7. Ignore spam and phishing emails.
One of the easiest ways for hackers to access your company's information is through your employee's email inboxes. Even major corporations have suffered breaches due to phishing scams. Incorporate email security training as part of your basic onboarding procedure, and make sure employees are aware that they shouldn't click on links in promotional emails, open suspicious attachments or run updates that are prompted through email (including those that say they come directly from a company, like Microsoft).
Make sure employees understand company policy. For example, let them know that your business will never ask them for personal information or send them links regarding their 401(k) accounts and that if they see such emails, they should assume they are fraudulent. If they want to cross-check their accounts, to make sure their 401(k) or other sensitive information is OK, tell them to go directly to the financial institution's website and log into their accounts directly, rather than clicking on a link in an email.
8. Back up your data.
Bad stuff happens, but don't compound the problem by not being prepared. Always back up your data. This is a general good practice, and it protects your important documents and images in case of any loss.
For an Android phone, make sure "Back up my data" and "Automatic restore" are enabled in the settings and then sync your data with Google. For an iPhone, choose your device in the settings and then back up to iCloud.
9. Use an antivirus app.
Hackers typically use malware to steal passwords and account information. There are plenty of smartphone antivirus apps — some of which are linked to companion desktop apps. These provide enhanced security by ensuring apps, PDFs, images and other files you download aren't infected with malware before you open them. Antivirus apps like Avast, McAfee and Panda can halt such threats.
10. Know where your apps come from.
Don't just download any app to your phone. While iPhones only run apps from Apple's App Store, which vets all apps sold from the platform, standards are not quite as high on Android. The Google Play Store has made progress in ensuring its apps aren't running malware, but the Android platform allows installation from various, less-regulated environments. The best way to avoid malware on Android is to stick with the Google Play Store, unless you are sure you can trust an independent app from somewhere else.
Phone hacking, being a form of surveillance, is illegal in many countries unless it is carried out as lawful interception by a government agency. In the News International phone hacking scandal, private investigator Glenn Mulcaire was found to have violated the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. He was sentenced to six months in prison in January 2007. Renewed controversy over the phone hacking claims led to the closure of the News of the World in July 2011.
In December 2010, the Truth in Caller ID Act was signed into United States law, making it illegal "to cause any caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value."
The term came to prominence during the News International phone-hacking scandal, in which it was alleged (and in some cases proved in court) that the British tabloid newspaper the News of the World had been involved in the interception of voicemail messages of the British Royal Family, other public figures, and a murdered schoolgirl named Milly Dowler.
Ways to Hack a Cell Phone Remotely
Using Malware
It is one of the oldest and very secure options when it comes to spying on a phone remotely. People have been using this option for decades. Even the earliest hacks were done using malware. In this method, the hackers install any app or send a file to the target phone.
As soon as the person opens the file, the whole device gets infected. The file corrupts the data and makes it easy for hackers to get access to the data and information. They get complete control over the phone and can check anything. The malware can never be detected unless a complete process is followed. Thus the device is hacked remotely.
This option is secure and safe.
It is an easy way to hack a phone remotely.
The target person cannot find out the malware on their phone.
It is a cheaper and more affordable option.
It does work instantly and hacks a phone in seconds.
Using Malicious Apps
Here come the second option hackers have been deploying for years to hack any cell phone remotely. This method is also safe and has no particular issues. But it takes some time as you have to wait for the person to download an app and install on their device.
Third-party or unofficial apps are used to target the phones. When a person downloads and installs a malicious app on their phone, it may infect it. The phone is hacked with the app and all data is controlled by the hackers. In this option, the phone owner weird behaviour of the device but they are unable to figure out they are being spied on.
Malicious apps are commonly used for hacking.
It takes some time as users have to download apps.
This option is also safe and secure.
The malicious apps are hard to remove and get rid of.
It is the best option to hack phone remotely.
Using Spyware
Many of you have maybe familiar with the spyware app. These are also the apps or files which are installed on the target phones remotely to hack them. Owner of the phone can never know how the spyware was installed on their phone. Sometimes, it is just a file which is stored on the target device.
The spyware allows hackers to get access to data and information on the target phones. In this method, hackers can do whatever they want. This can be done in revenge when someone wants to spy on another person and steal their data. The spyware does help a lot in this regard and make it easy for hackers to access data.
Spywares are usually used for spying on any smartphone.
They are quite safe and come without any issues.
Using spyware is also convenient.
They give you access to data on the target phones.
They work remotely so you will be relaxed.
Using Public Wi-Fi
There is another method commonly used for hacking any cell phone remotely and that is to use the public WiFi connections. We see a lot of people using government-provided WiFi connections on their devices and computers. It actually makes their phone vulnerable to hackers.
When so many people are connected to the same WiFi connection, it becomes easy for hackers to get access to the data on all the phones. They use spyware or various files so infect the devices. When it is done, the phone gives hackers access to the system and all the data inside. That is why it is recommended to avoid using public WiFi.
Very safe and secure option to hack any device.
It takes minutes to infect the phones and steal data.
This option is free and costs nothing at all.
It is more effective when you want to steal data from more users.
Target phone user will never learn about it.
Using Spy Apps
This is the last option on our list. The use of spy apps has become quite acceptable as mass levels. A lot of parents use spy tools to track the phone of their kids and children. Employers also have such apps that keep eyes on their staff and help them protect the data.
A spy app is used remotely on the target phones. When the app has been installed, it starts working and hacks the phone. The target person can get access to any information and data on the device. It is the best and an ideal option if you want to spy on any cell phone in 2019.
This option is quite safe.
It tracks the phone and spies on everything.
Spy apps work in the background so you will be secure.
It can hack social media and other apps on the target phones.
The target user will not know about the spy app on their phone.
The Best Spy App- BlurSPY Software
BlurSPY is the best spy app in the market these days. It provides users with a wide range of useful features that make tracking and spying very easy and fun. This app is way more affordable than other apps but also offers even better and more advanced features. It also works in the background so you will not be worried about your security.
Clever Smartphone Hacks And Tricks
1. Improve audio recording by covering your phone mic.
You wouldn’t think it makes sense, but you can actually improve your audio quality on videos by covering your microphone. The reason is that it muffles background noise, letting you more clearly hear the main audio stream. Just use a finger to cover the microphone while you’re capturing your video.
2. Use a marker and a hairdryer to turn a long charger cord into a spiral cord.
If you’re tired of wrangling with long charging cables, turn them into spiral cords in just a few minutes. Wrap the cord around a thick marker and run a hair dryer on low heat over it for a minute or two until the cord stays in place. Voila — you have a charger that’s easy to handle but can also be stretched.
3. Use hot glue to make a simple DIY phone case.
Phone cases can be expensive, but you need one to protect your phone, which is both fragile and pricey. Rather than drop a lot of money on a store bought one, why not make your own? Just cover your phone with wax paper to protect from the mess and trace the outline with a hot glue gun. When it dries, peel off and fit around your phone.
4. Use a piece of silicone to make an easy hanging phone lanyard.
If you don’t like keeping your phone in your pocket, look for an easy pattern for a lanyard. Use a sheet of silicone or foam (you can find it at any crafting store) to trace and cut it out. Then use a hot glue gun to attach to a lanyard. Presto, easy carrying for your cell phone and easy reach for you.
5. Get better pictures with a pair of sunglasses.
If you think you can’t get good photos with a regular SmartPhone camera, think again. You can always download filters if you don’t like the look of your pictures, but there are even simpler hacks to improve them. If the light in your picture is too glaring, just aim your phone camera through a pair of sunglasses. It will reduce glare, even lighting, and give you a great picture.
6. Reinforce cracked chargers with heat shrink tubing and yarn.
After a while of use, phone chargers tend to start to crack, bend, and break down. Reinforce them with some heat shrink tubing and yarn. Just wrap the tubing around the damaged part and gently warm with a hair dryer until it shrinks down to a snug fit. Then wrap with colorful yarn for an extra layer of protection.
7. Speed up charging time without turning your phone off.
We’ve all been told that in order to make our phones charge faster, we need to power them down while they’re plugged in. But there’s actually no need. Just turn your phone to airplane mode while it charges and you’ll cut your charging time in half. And, as we’ve also all been told, don’t use it while it’s plugged in.
8. Save damaged chargers with a pen spring.
Another, even simpler way to protect damaged chargers is with a pen spring. We’ve all taken apart a pen before when we were bored during class and found the tiny spring inside that’s used for click pens. Carefully bend to widen enough to fit around the charger head, then squeeze back down to size until the wire fits snugly around the cord.
9. Change your lock screen to your contact details for easy phone recovery.
If you’re worried about your phone going missing in a busy public place, try this simple trick. Just turn your lock screen to your name and an alternative phone number or email address so that anyone who finds it can contact you without trying to access your contacts. Now you just have to hope that the person who finds it is a Good Samaritan!
10. Store your valuables in your phone case.
If you don’t like keeping track of a phone and a wallet (or, even worse, a purse) when you go out, there’s an even easier way to keep your personal possessions safe. Just slip them in between your phone and phone case for easy storage. This works for cash, credit cards, and your I.D. Unfortunately, there’s no room for your car keys.
11. Use an eraser to clear away those phone screen smudges.
You probably use your phone all day, so it gets a lot of smudges on the screen. There’s nothing more annoying than a dirty phone screen, but luckily, it’s super easy to clean. Just grab a regular chunky eraser (the big pink kind you used in school) and run smoothly along the screen. It will grab all the oil and dirt and clean it away.
12. Protect your phone from damage from moisture with a Ziploc bag.
If you’re going to the pool or the beach, make sure you pop your phone into a plastic bag for easy protection. It’s too easy to get a cell phone wet and cause irreparable damage. What’s more, you don’t even have to take your phone out to use it. In fact, many people use this hack to carry their phone with them into the shower!
13. Take a picture of your space in a parking lot to remember where your car is.
There’s nothing more frustrating than getting lost in a crowded parking lot because you can’t remember where you put your car. You can solve the problem by snapping a picture of something recognizable nearby, whether it’s a marked section of the parking lot (“Lot A”) or something else. No racking your brain to remember where you were!
14. Use a keyboard shortcut to save your email address.
Whenever you want to order something online or log on to a personal account, you’ll probably have to enter your email address. But that can be annoying, with a tiny keyboard, special characters, and spell check getting in the way. Save time and frustration by adding your email address as a keyboard shortcut to make log-ins quick and simple.
15. Need a USB port to charge in your hotel room? Check the TV.
There’s nothing worse than getting to a hotel room on a trip and realizing you don’t have a phone charger. Luckily, lots of SmartPhones are adapted to standard cables. If you have one but can’t find an outlet or don’t have a charging dock, there’s a simple solution: check the back of the TV. Most televisions have USB ports that your phone charger can snap into without an issue.
16. Run a rubber band through your car’s AC vent for a DIY phone holder.
Google Maps and other navigating tools are amazing inventions, but it can be annoying — not to mention dangerous — to try to look at a map while driving. There’s no need to run out and buy an expensive car mount for your phone. Just string a rubber band or hair tie through the slits in your AC vent. Slip your phone into them for an easy way to keep it upright so you can keep your eyes on the road and get the directions you need.
17. Use screenshots instead of Google Maps.
Speaking of phone navigation, another downside to it is that it can quickly drain your battery life. To save your phone juice, look up your route before you hit the road. Then take a few screenshots so that you know where you’re going. That way, you have the directions without using up all your data while trying to reach your destination.
18. Use airplane mode to improve your phone signal.
If you’re in a place where your phone is struggling to connect to the tower, there’s a simple hack that only takes a few seconds. Just switch your phone over to airplane mode very briefly, then turn it back off. Airplane mode helps your phone find the best available signal nearby, so it’s a great way to help when you’re stuck without service.
19. Download black wallpaper to save your battery.
One of the ways your phone drains its battery life is by using the phone brightness. You can cut back on this by downloading dark wallpaper. When your phone is set to Home Screen, there will be no need to use battery life to make sure it’s backlit.
20. Use your flashlight and a cup of water to make an emergency light.
Phone flashlights are quickly replacing regular flashlights since most people have their phone on them at all times. But those phone flashlights can be harsh on the eyes. To soften and disperse light, set your phone face down on a hard surface so that the flashlight is facing upward, then cover with a cup or bottle of water. It will turn that harsh beam into a DIY lamp that provides emergency light.
Ways to Secure Your Smartphone Against Hackers
1. Update your OS and apps promptly.
Most people are guilty of postponing or ignoring operating system updates and app updates, but doing so on a regular basis can open you up to a data breach. Hackers know how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in systems; as those vulnerabilities are made known to the company, improvements are made to increase security and eliminate weaknesses. The longer you wait to update your phone or laptop, the more out of date your systems are, making you an easier target for hackers.
If your small business utilizes a BYOD (bring your own device) policy, establish a training and awareness program for your employees. Make sure your staff understands that they are expected to take reasonable security precautions when using their smartphones and tablets, including running regular updates and being discerning about app downloads.
2. Lock your devices.
Sure, it's a lot easier to keep your phone unlocked all the time because you can get to your email, camera, texts, and other features more quickly, but just think how you would feel if a stranger found your phone on a bus seat or in a coffee shop and could just tap on your business apps, contacts, and even banking information. If your phone contains client information, you could even end up in the embarrassing position of informing your clients that their data has been compromised, essentially due to negligence.
To prevent that from happening, always engage the four- or six-digit passcode – or set up a longer alphanumeric code – so that if you ever lose track of your phone, it won't open your entire business to a stranger. Utilizing fingerprint scanning and facial identification is also an excellent option, as it's faster and easier than memorizing an unlock code. Also, be sure to password-protect all mobile apps that contain personal data, such as banking, email and your Amazon account. Don't use the same password for all your accounts, and change your passwords occasionally for good measure.
3. Utilize mobile device management, small business style.
If a work phone gets lost or stolen, you can contain the damage using basic smartphone features. Both Apple and Google offer find device services, such as Find My iPhone and Android's Find My Device, that can locate your phone on a map and automatically disable it. These services can also make your phone ring, either alarming the thief or just locating a phone you have temporarily lost track of. You can even arrange for the phone to delete all information after five to 10 false passcode tries.
For small business owners who want more control, affordable mobile device management software is a good option. If your business currently uses Microsoft Office 365, you should already have access to MDM features through Mobile Device Management for Office 365. There are also stand-alone MDM products like AirWatch's Workspace ONE (a VMware product) and Hexnode, but despite offering SMB solutions, Office 365's MDM is far more suitable for most small business owners.
4. Use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wisely.
Most people don't think twice about jumping on a free public Wi-Fi connection, but people operating devices with sensitive business information on them should exercise caution. Business travelers often use hotel or conference center Wi-Fi. In general, this is an OK practice as businesses like reputable hotels and event venues have a vested interest in maintaining the security of their Wi-Fi users. However, free public Wi-Fi in areas like shopping centers, cafes, airports, parks or gyms, is often far less secure.
Try to use only your private cell connection whenever possible and switch off Wi-Fi on your mobile phone whenever you are in a public place. And, of course, do not sign on to unencrypted open networks. If that is not possible, consider using a VPN, but choose carefully, as all are not created equal. A VPN tunnels your network traffic through an encrypted connection to a server based in another location. Unless you are wearing a smartwatch that requires a Bluetooth connection for functionality, it's also a good idea to disable Bluetooth when you're out and about.
5. Use two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the least-favorite security options around because, as the name implies, it requires an extra step. However, it offers another solid barrier to accessing your private information, and two-factor authentication is much easier to use now (thanks to biometric scanners and save-password features) than it used to be.
6. Manage app permissions.
Check the apps on your phone to determine whether they have more privileges than they need to get the job done. You can grant apps permissions like access to the camera, the microphone, your contacts and your location. Keep track of which permissions you've given to which apps, and revoke permissions that are not needed.
For iPhones, go to Settings and tap on Privacy, where you'll see a list of all permissions and the apps you've granted them to. Android users can find app permissions in the Application Manager under Device > Application in some Android versions.
7. Ignore spam and phishing emails.
One of the easiest ways for hackers to access your company's information is through your employee's email inboxes. Even major corporations have suffered breaches due to phishing scams. Incorporate email security training as part of your basic onboarding procedure, and make sure employees are aware that they shouldn't click on links in promotional emails, open suspicious attachments or run updates that are prompted through email (including those that say they come directly from a company, like Microsoft).
Make sure employees understand company policy. For example, let them know that your business will never ask them for personal information or send them links regarding their 401(k) accounts and that if they see such emails, they should assume they are fraudulent. If they want to cross-check their accounts, to make sure their 401(k) or other sensitive information is OK, tell them to go directly to the financial institution's website and log into their accounts directly, rather than clicking on a link in an email.
8. Back up your data.
Bad stuff happens, but don't compound the problem by not being prepared. Always back up your data. This is a general good practice, and it protects your important documents and images in case of any loss.
For an Android phone, make sure "Back up my data" and "Automatic restore" are enabled in the settings and then sync your data with Google. For an iPhone, choose your device in the settings and then back up to iCloud.
9. Use an antivirus app.
Hackers typically use malware to steal passwords and account information. There are plenty of smartphone antivirus apps — some of which are linked to companion desktop apps. These provide enhanced security by ensuring apps, PDFs, images and other files you download aren't infected with malware before you open them. Antivirus apps like Avast, McAfee and Panda can halt such threats.
10. Know where your apps come from.
Don't just download any app to your phone. While iPhones only run apps from Apple's App Store, which vets all apps sold from the platform, standards are not quite as high on Android. The Google Play Store has made progress in ensuring its apps aren't running malware, but the Android platform allows installation from various, less-regulated environments. The best way to avoid malware on Android is to stick with the Google Play Store, unless you are sure you can trust an independent app from somewhere else.
Phone hacking, being a form of surveillance, is illegal in many countries unless it is carried out as lawful interception by a government agency. In the News International phone hacking scandal, private investigator Glenn Mulcaire was found to have violated the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. He was sentenced to six months in prison in January 2007. Renewed controversy over the phone hacking claims led to the closure of the News of the World in July 2011.
In December 2010, the Truth in Caller ID Act was signed into United States law, making it illegal "to cause any caller identification service to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller identification information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value."
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