You’ll use your phone to show boarding passes, request rides, open maps, make payments, and take photos. Getting it travel-ready means more than clearing storage. You should also limit unnecessary access and make sure recovery tools are ready before you leave.

Why review your phone settings before traveling?

During a trip, your phone moves through airports, hotels, beaches, restaurants, and public transportation. It also connects to unfamiliar networks and may be more exposed to loss, theft, or people looking over your shoulder.

A preventive review can reduce the damage if something goes wrong. The goal isn’t to turn your vacation into a security operation. It’s to make sure a lost phone doesn’t immediately give someone access to your accounts, documents, and text conversations.

Phone settings 1 through 3: Protect access to your device

1. Update your operating system and apps

Before leaving, check for Android or iOS updates, along with updates for your most important apps. Security patches fix vulnerabilities that malicious apps or dangerous websites could exploit.

Do this at home while connected to a trusted network. You’ll avoid unexpected cellular data use and have time to restart your phone and confirm that everything still works.

2. Review your screen lock

Use a passcode, PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Avoid simple combinations such as birthdays, number sequences, or easy-to-guess patterns.

You should also shorten the automatic lock time. Leaving the screen unlocked for several minutes could make it easier for someone to get in if you forget your phone on a table, in a rental car, or at a counter.

3. Turn on location and remote locking

Android users should set up Google Find Hub. On an iPhone, the equivalent is Apple Find My. These tools can help you locate, lock, or remotely erase your phone.

The Federal Communications Commission also recommends knowing how to report a lost or stolen phone to your wireless carrier. Your carrier may be able to suspend service or block the device from its network.

Phone settings 4 through 6: Protect your data

4. Make sure your backup is current

Photos, contacts, documents, and important conversations shouldn’t exist only on your phone. Confirm that automatic backup is enabled, and make a manual backup before leaving.

Google notes that an Android backup may take up to 24 hours, so don’t wait until you’re already heading to the airport.

5. Review app permissions

Open your privacy dashboard and check which apps can access your location, camera, microphone, contacts, and files. A navigation app needs your location while giving directions. A game you installed months ago probably doesn’t.

Android lets you change permissions for individual apps. Use this review to remove old travel apps, unfamiliar tools, and services you no longer use.

At this point, keeping an additional layer of protection active can also help you identify risks and take better care of your device while traveling. dfndr security can be part of that routine when combined with updates, strong passwords, and careful phone use away from home.

6. Run a security review on your accounts

Check the devices connected to your email, social media accounts, and messaging apps. Sign out of sessions you don’t recognize, and confirm that your recovery phone number and email address are current.

Google Security Checkup provides recommendations for passwords, software updates, and apps connected to your account. Turn on two-factor authentication whenever a service offers it.

Read more: 5-Minute Monthly Phone Check: What to Review on Android

How to protect yourself while traveling: Settings 7 through 9

7. Turn off automatic Wi-Fi connections

Delete old networks and stop your phone from automatically joining open Wi-Fi hotspots. At hotels, airports, and coffee shops, confirm the network name with an employee before connecting.

CISA recommends extra care when using public Wi-Fi while traveling. When you need to access your bank or make a payment, use cellular data if you aren’t sure the network is legitimate.

8. Turn off Bluetooth and NFC when you aren’t using them

Bluetooth and NFC are useful for headphones, smartwatches, and contactless payments, but they don’t need to stay active all the time.

After using an accessory or completing a payment, turn the feature off. Besides reducing unnecessary connections, this may help stretch your battery during long days away from a charger.

9. Set up emergency contacts and battery-saving features

Add an emergency contact that can be viewed from your lock screen without exposing too much personal information. Choose someone who can help if your phone is found or you face an emergency.

Turn on battery saver mode and download maps, boarding passes, and reservations for offline use. That way, your phone remains useful even when you don’t have cellular service, Wi-Fi, or a nearby outlet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to update my phone before or during the trip?

Update it before you leave. You can use a trusted network, restart the device, and give yourself time to deal with any compatibility issues.

Should I leave location services on throughout the trip?

Location may be necessary for maps and for finding a lost phone. The safer approach is to control which apps have access and allow location only when it’s needed.

Is hotel Wi-Fi always safe?

No. Confirm the network name, avoid duplicate networks, and don’t ignore browser security warnings. For banking, Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or sending documents, switch to cellular data whenever you have doubts.

More from the PSafe Blog

Explore more recent articles published in June and July:

• Can Your Phone Be Tracked in Airplane Mode? Myth vs. Fact
• Why Updating Android Helps Protect Your Phone, Even When Nothing Looks Different
• Your Phone Knows Where You’ve Been. Here’s Why That Matters More Than Ever
• 2026 World Cup Final on Your Phone: How to Save Battery and Mobile Data

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As threats like phishing and data breaches rise, organizations and individuals are seeking more robust ways to protect sensitive information.

Biometric authentication—using unique biological characteristics such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns—has emerged as a leading solution. Here are five compelling reasons to use biometrics to secure your mobile devices:

1. Eliminates the Threat of Passwords

Passwords remain one of the weakest links in mobile security. Over 80% of company data breaches are attributed to weak or stolen passwords. Many users still rely on simple, easily guessed passwords or reuse the same password across multiple accounts, making it easier for hackers to gain unauthorized access. Biometrics remove this vulnerability by replacing passwords with something unique to each user, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches.

Read more: How many different passwords should you have?

2. More Convenient for Users

Remembering and resetting passwords can be frustrating and time-consuming. Biometric authentication streamlines the process—users can unlock their devices or access sensitive apps with a simple fingerprint scan or facial recognition. This not only saves time but also enhances the user experience, as you can’t forget your fingerprint or face.

3. Greater Accountability

Biometrics provide a clear audit trail of who accessed a device or network and when. Unlike passwords, which can be shared or stolen, biometric data is unique to each individual. This accountability is crucial for organizations that need to track access and investigate potential security incidents.

4. Widespread Adoption and Trust

Biometric technology is rapidly becoming the standard for mobile security. Over 60% of employers already use biometrics in the workplace, and nearly half use it specifically to secure mobile devices. As more consumers and businesses adopt this technology, its effectiveness and reliability continue to improve.

5. High Return on Investment (ROI)

Implementing biometric security can lead to significant cost savings. By reducing the risk of costly data breaches and minimizing the need for password resets and IT support, organizations can achieve a high ROI. For example, one bank reported a 191% ROI after adopting biometric authentication.

Therefore, we use biometrics in the dfndr security applock.

Ready to take your mobile security to the next level?

Discover how dfndr security can help protect your devices and data. 

Article originally published by: https://www.cshub.com/mobile/articles/5-reasons-to-use-biometrics-to-secure-mobile-devices

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Caution Flags 

The radical simplicity and irresistible pull of the Coinbase spot was the talk of the post-game ad reviews. But out of the din of this discussion came another message — this one from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Inc Magazine’s Jason Aten pointed to a warning they had issued a month prior to the big game – the first lines lay out the situation quite clearly:

The FBI is issuing this announcement to raise awareness of malicious Quick Response (QR) codes. Cybercriminals are tampering with QR codes to redirect victims to malicious sites that steal login and financial information.

QR Codes Are Back, And Bigger Than Ever

Once again, it seems that bad actors have seized on a popular trend to help them do their dirty work. A simple technology dating back to the 90’s, QR Codes are on the rise lately – as they’ve become a very effective digital tool for marketers who want to quickly convert mobile phone readers into shoppers and buyers. The Wikipedia entry on QR codes gives you a quick grasp of just how powerful they can be when scanned on a mobile phone:

QR codes may be used to display text to the user, to open a webpage on the user’s device, to add a Card contact to the user’s device, to open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), to connect to a wireless network, or to compose an email or text message.

All you have to do is think about how hackers might use that kind of power, and you can quickly see that indiscriminate scanning of QR codes could lead you into some serious trouble. 

Two Primary Sources of QR Code Danger

The first danger with malicious QR codes is the fact that they can transport you seamlessly to a fake website. As with most hacks, the first layer of the transaction seems to be legitimate: the QR code works! The user arrives at a site that has the offer or information they were seeking. 

And this is when many users will let their guard down, and fail to notice telltale signs that the site isn’t legitimate. Super-sweetened offers can also play a role in softening up otherwise careful users. The bad website can be a collection point for private information and financial data, and the path to financial losses and ID Theft is paved.

The second danger is QR codes that include malware themselves. Once again, let’s turn to the FBI for — “just the facts”:

Malicious QR codes may also contain embedded malware, allowing a criminal to gain access to the victim’s mobile device and steal the victim’s location as well as personal and financial information. The cybercriminal can leverage the stolen financial information to withdraw funds from victim accounts.

That’s about as bad as it can get. So, short of forsaking the use of all QR codes — how do you defend yourself?

What Can You Do?

Here are the five steps you can take – we discuss each below in more detail:

1. Get informed about what QR codes are and what they can do.
2. Make sure your device has good security software.
3. Use that security software regularly!
4. Before scanning any QR code, scan “the situation.” 
5. Make sure you land where you expected to!

You’ll be glad to know that you’re well on your way to completing the first step. We hope this article has helped in this regard, and if you want to get even more up-to-date on potential threats to you and your mobile device, we highly recommend these two companion articles:

Six Ways That Cybercriminals Try To Take Over Your Device – QR codes are covered here along with several other traps, like WiFi Honeypots, Fake Apps, and even Subtitles in Streaming Apps. Do give it a careful read – lots to learn here.

Can a QR Code Be Used In A Phishing Attack? – If you’ve followed us so far, you know the answer to this question is YES! But hit the link to get more information on how QR codes can bait the hook for hackers’ big Phishing expeditions.

Security Help

If you’re using dfndr security, make sure you activate the anti-hacking feature to protect you from scams and malware. dfndr security PRO plan also has a dedicated Safe App function to help sniff out apps that contain malware, and also provides complete Identity Theft reports should you suspect trouble.

Eyes Up!

But your awareness is always going to be your first line of defense. Remember that QR codes primary benefit is to help you connect to a specific spot on the web without your having to type in a URL. The “fun” of seeing this work is no doubt a major part of the success of that Coinbase ad. 

If you decide you do want to scan a QR code – make sure you can verify it’s from a trusted source, and take a good close look at the surroundings: the copy and design, the context of use. Is the code stuck on a wall outside a club? Or did it come to you via a traceable source like a mass mailing? If you can verify that the code is from a trustworthy source – make sure the landing spot is what you expected it to be.  

Just remember what your friends in the FBI told you: a QR code isn’t a game to be taken lightly — or a Pokemon type game where you have to capture and collect. They serve a very specific function, and they’re more powerful than they look. Treat QR codes with the same caution you’d give to any unknown app or web address.

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The film tells the story of a conman who uses the Tinder app to insinuate himself into the lives of three female victims. In the film, Simon Leviev sets up elaborate romantic cons to appear as a wealthy diamond heir, then uses the trust he has gained to steal information, then money – only to use that money to fund the con for his next victim.

It’s a taut and dramatically told story, but without a clear moral or ending. (The New York Post has reported that Leviev has signed with a Hollywood agent, and “wants his own dating show.”)   

How To Stay Safe: Five Scammer Prevention Keys

But the moral for users of Tinder — and social media in general — are still the same: proceed with caution!  Below are a Five Keys to help you stay safe as you navigate dating apps like Tinder — they’re also useful guidelines for people you might meet on any other social app like Facebook:

• Do some research — and take your time. Before meeting in real life with anyone you’ve met online, take the time to do a little background research and find out if the person you’re speaking to is who they say they are. 

• Consider bringing a friend for the first date(s), and meet in public. Yes, this will keep you safer, and it might also help provide a more casual atmosphere where you can learn a little bit more about your new friend.

• Be sensitive about peculiar information requests. Spoiler alert: The Tinder Swindler orchestrated reasons to get Passport information, and then quickly put it to nefarious use. Whatever the reason given, a quick pivot to requests for detailed personal data is always a sure warning sign, especially in a new relationship.

• Keep your purse, phone, and ID’s close. Don’t overlook simple physical sources of data like these. Don’t leave them unattended. 
• If you have any suspicions, check in to things. If anything seems odd in terms of your interactions, don’t bury your head in the sand. A good security solution like dfndr security can help you track where your data is going and also protect your physical phone from theft. Stay on top of your bank and credit card accounts.

Remember: Most Scammers Don’t Do A Lot of Romancing

The Tinder Swindler is also a healthy reminder that most scams are not quite as elaborate as those cooked up by Simon Leviev.  But most scams operate on the same human emotions of romance and self-interest. 

Set some clear rules for yourself in the dating world – and also for when you’re answering emails and text messages — or when you’re looking for work on a job site.  If it looks too good to be true – it probably is! 

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Strandhogg 2.0: Worse Than The Original

“StrandHogg 1.0” used Android’s task affinity to hijack applications—by matching the packageName of any other app, then allowing “TaskReparenting,” the StrandHogg app would be launched, undercover, in place of the target app — then share the information with the attacker and the targeted app (to go unnoticed).

Image Source: Promon

Emilio Simoni, research director at dfndr lab explains:  “Using this method, you would see (for one typical example) what looks like a fully legitimate Gmail icon on your phone, with the usual login dialogue — just exactly as it would appear when you’re logging back  into your account. But once you enter your credentials, you’ve unknowingly shared them with the attacker too. To shield its intervention, your info is also sent to Gmail (or whatever other legitimate application has been hijacked), continuing your transaction and leaving no signs you’ve been compromised. The malware comes on board in the form of innocent looking game apps — one named SuperHappyFunGame — but it does its worst work undercover.”

StrandHogg’s 1.0 weakness was the presence of sketchy task affinity codes in the Android Manifest. Scouring for the 1.0 version required simply scanning the Google Play store for these problematic taskAffinity declarations. But StrandHogg 2.0 doesn’t require any special settings, because the attacking code isn’t necessarily present on the Play Store. Instead, the attacker just downloads the attack code later, once the trojan app or game has taken up residence.

StrandHogg 2.0 also hijacks additional data via app permissions: so contacts, photos, and it can even victim’s movements and location are compromised. Simoni advises: “With the right permissions, StrandHogg 2.0 can even siphon off entire text message conversations, which can enable hackers to defeat two-factor authentication protections.”

The Norwegian security firm Promon, the firm that gave the malware its name,  suggests that updating Android devices with the latest security updates — out now — will fix the vulnerability. Users are advised to update their Android devices as soon as possible. 

“However,” Simoni warns, “the key is protecting yourself from the next StrandHogg.  For that, you need a front line of defense.” 

Protecting Your Devices and Data From Unsafe Apps

You should always count on a extra layer of security for your phone. dfndr security, for example, has a Safe App Installer feature that can operate as your advance-line of defense against apps like SuperHappyFunGame, and the next generation of trojans  StrandHogg uses. Safe App Installer will also keep you protected from all other malicious apps. “The feature lets you know if an app is unsafe before you even install it,” Simoni advises, “and our team does the work to constantly update our database of malicious apps.” With Safe App Installer, every app you consult before installation will be rated for trust. 

There are two levels of alert if Safe App Installer discovers an issue:

• Security Alert: If the app is malware.
• Privacy Alert: If the app already experienced a data breach

An app is rated as Trusted only if the app is not malware or has never experienced a data breach.  

dfndr security also offers Anti-Theft Protection for your device, and Identity theft protection for you.  “Our PRO package has been very thoroughly thought out to provide users with the full suite of protections they need,” Simoni concludes.

We’ll continue to provide updates here on the PSafe blog for new malware that could compromise your security and safety — stay tuned!

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However, there’s one great reason to always stay on top of things and update your Android apps whenever they offer one. And it may just be the best reason of all: SECURITY.

“Most apps will update for a variety of different reasons, but one of the most common reasons is security,” says Emilio Simoni, Research Director at dfndr lab. “Engineers are always testing and discovering vulnerabilities in their apps, so even if an update has no new features, for your own good, you should make it a habit to update. Or, set your device to update apps automatically.”  

Why You Should ALWAYS Update dfndr security

dfndr security’s main objective is to keep you safe. That is the reason why you should always do updates with dfndr security immediately when you receive notice of them. Our antivirus database is constantly being updated, often with the defense against the latest, most widespread threats – so if there’s ONE app you want to keep up to date, make it dfndr security.

Why not take a moment and check now to see if your drndr security is up to date?

Follow the instructions from Google below to make sure your dfndr security app always updates automatically:

• Open the Google Play Store app.
• Tap Menu > and then > My apps & games.
• Select dfndr security as the app you want to update.
• Tap More.
• Tap Enable auto update.

dfndr security will then update automatically when updates are available. To turn off automatic updates, just uncheck the box.  This is what the Enable Auto Update looks like when selected:

Set Your Android Apps To Update Automatically

Android lets you control automatic updating so that it always occurs only when you’re connected to WiFi. Setting to Auto Update with WiFi is a great way to make sure all your apps are always up to the second.  Here’s how to make that happen:

• Open the Google Play Store app.
• Tap Menu, Menu and then Settings.
• Tap Auto-update apps.
• Select the Over Wi-Fi only option to automatically update apps only when connected to Wi-Fi.

If you need to do an emergency update and you have no WiFi you can override this setting.

Viruses, Hackers, and Malware Are Out There.  Keep them OUT!

“We’re seeing lots of aggressive activity among hackers since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic,” Emilio reminds us, “If you keep your dfndr security always app up-to-date it’s going to give you the best protection we have to make sure you can use the web safely.” Simoni concludes: “And right now, with social distancing still in effect in so many places, you want to make sure your access to the web is safe and secure.”

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“Eventbot” leverages Android accessibility to reap private data from financial applications. It also has the ability to hijack SMS-based two-factor authentication codes, and it can even read user SMS messages. A very foreboding mix of capabilities. 

“This one is especially dangerous,” remarks Emilio Simoni, Research Director at dfndr lab, “Eventbot is a trojan that targets over 200 different financial apps.” Simoni explains that these  include banking, money transfer services, and crypto-currency wallets like Coinbase, Paypal Business, TransferWise, HSBC, CapitalOne, Santander, Revolut, and Barclays… and many more.

How EVENTBOT Does Its Damage

 First identified in March 2020, Eventbot makes its way onto phones by posing as a legitimate app: Adobe Flash, Microsoft Word, and similar.  Eventbot primarily resides on unofficial Android App stores and other unauthorized websites, it has also been delivered through bulk SMSs and Emails, typically offering special savings on popular Android apps.

When installed, Eventbot requests a robust list of permissions, including accessibility settings; “read” permission from external storage; the ability to send and receive SMS messages; run in the background; and launch after system boot.

Users who grant these permissions unwittingly enable EventBot to operates as a keylogger, which can extract notifications about other installed applications, and scan and scrape the content of open windows. It also further-leverages Android’s accessibility services to steal the lock-screen PIN — then sends all of its stolen data in an encrypted format to its command-center server. 

Simoni explains: “The ability to track SMS messages also enables this malware to pass-through SMS-based two-factor authentications, which opens the gates wide for financial attacks of the very worst kind.”

Protect Yourself

“It’s important to always rely on a security mechanism. dfndr security, for example, has a Safe App Installer feature that is designed expressly to deal with dangerous apps like this,” Simoni offers, “This feature lets you know if an app is safe before you ever install it, and its updated constantly by the PSafe security team. We scan the web constantly for updates and information to enrich our database.”

With Safe App Installer, any app you intend to install will be rated for trustworthiness. There are two levels of alert if the feature discovers an issue:

• Security Alert: If the app is malware;
• Privacy Alert: If the app already experienced a data breach;
• Trusted: If The app is not malware or has never experienced a data breach. 

 “Eventbot would absolutely trigger a security alert,” Simoni notes.

The free version of dfndr security also has an anti-hacking capability that blocks scams directly on the SMS app, web browsers and messaging apps (WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger). It also offers a URL checker to check the security of any URL you enter.

Further Safety Measures for EventBot (and Similar Trojans)

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to make sure that you are only downloading mobile apps from authorized sources,” Simoni emphasizes. “With malwares as dangerous as Eventbot making the rounds, you have to be doubly alert and careful with any unofficial links.” As a rule, you’ll want to avoid any links sent by people unknown to you, and from bulk marketing SMSs and Emails. Finally, be careful with permissions required by various apps — if the list is extremely long or doesn’t make sense, be on guard.

Consider dfndr Pro

One of the best ways to protect your information now is to upgrade your dfndr security app (if you haven’t already) to PRO.  (This link will help you learn more, and you can use it to download PRO if you decide it’s right for you.).

 With dfndr Pro in your toolbox, the rest is a matter of staying as aware as you can to protect yourself and your family. PSafe will continue to provide updates here for new malwares that we discover that is especially noteworthy.

This one is VERY dangerous, so be careful out there!

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Is iOS Safe?

Every mobile operating system has its irregularities and flaws. However, many people still believe that iOS is 100% secure and its technology is not affected by scams or malware.

According to Emilio Simoni, director of dfndr lab, PSafe’s digital security lab, says that having an iOS doesn’t mean you can ignore all threats and risks on the internet, such as phishing, malware, and ramsonware. It’s important to know how to protect your iPhone from viruses, circumvent vulnerabilities, and watch over the privacy and security of your data.

According to a Forbes report, a survey revealed that 38% of all iOS apps contain critical vulnerabilities, the vast majority due to inaccuracies found in the early stages of app development. These types of flaws can give opportunities to hackers who are facilitating scams and consequently compromising the protection of Apple users. The number may be shocking, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Symptoms of a Broken iOS

As the popular phrase says, “Prevention is better than the cure.” We’ve listed 5 characteristics of a broken iOS that are easy to spot:

Your Battery Doesn’t Last Long
When it is noticeable that battery life has shortened significantly with recent use or your iPhone takes longer to fully charge, malware could be a possibility. Another indicator may be if your phone feels unusually warm, which almost always points to software problems. If your device is warming up even without being used, it may mean that a virus is acting in the background.

Phone Performance Diminishes
The presence of malware on any system makes it operate poorly. It’s important to pay attention to any performance issues with your iPhone. Unusual slowdowns, apps that suddenly close or crash excessively are some indications that something is not right.

Your Data Runs Out
If you notice a spike in your data charges, it may be that there are malicious apps that run even with the screen locked, draining data sneakily from your phone.

There’s Non-User Activity
Links, messages, posts, likes, and shares that you did not perform may point to an identity theft case. If a hacker has access to your device, they also have access to all the accounts linked to it.

Phone Makes Strange Sounds
During a call, a compromised iPhone may make strange background noises, often described as echoes, squeaks, or clicks. These sounds can be caused by a weak signal, interference, or the worst scenario possible: someone is listening to your microphone. Be aware of any odd sounds your iPhone makes when not in use.

How to Protect my iOS from Scams

The dfndr lab experts have put together key measures to keep your iPhone safe: 

Choose a Strong Password
Always, always create good passwords for your accounts. They should be alphanumeric (composed of letters, numbers, and symbols). Also, it’s important that you have a different password for each online account. Avoid sequences like “1234abc” or important dates. Security experts also recommend changing your password every 30 days.

Keep Your Operating System Current
It’s essential that iOS is always the latest version, as hackers occasionally encounter exploitable coding flaws, making it easier to access personal data. Apple offers periodic updates as a way to correct these inconsistencies, so in addition to protecting your iPhone from viruses, it also improves performance overall.

Don’t Click on Suspicious Links
Be wary of links that offer great deals and discounts, especially if they are advertised in messaging apps such as WhatsApp. In addition, fake news also presents a certain risk that goes well beyond misinformation. Always research the information to make sure it’s from credible sources. When in doubt, do a link analysis, such as the offered by dfndr lab. The link checker lets you know if a site is dangerous without having to access it.

Use Trusted Antivirus
There is controversy about using security applications for the iPhone. But, according to Simoni, there will always be cybercriminals looking for vulnerabilities, whether on the Android or iOS system. It’s vital to keep a good security system installed on your phone to keep it secure. dfndr security is available for Android and iOS provides several tools to protect you against identity theft, malicious links, scams, and fake websites. You can download dfndr security for free here.

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Pros of Find My Friends
This app makes it easy and fun to locate where your friends and family are. All you have to do is request for them to add you as a contact on the app, and once you accept, you will be given access to where they are.

Read More: Best Apps for Planning Your Summer Party

There are also many privacy controls on the app that are very helpful. If there’s a moment where you don’t want certain friends to see where you’re located (maybe a surprise party or you’re on a date and don’t want to be bothered), you can mute those friends and they won’t be able to see you. The app is also great because it can help you keep your friends safe. If you’re concerned about a friend’s well being and haven’t heard from them in a while, you can simply use the app to see where they are.

Cons of Find My Friends
One downside to the app is that it does cost money to use. Find My Friends has a small, one-time fee of 99 cents. This fee may deter many people from downloading the app, so the app does have a smaller user base than other popular apps like Twitter and Facebook. Another negative aspect of Find my Friends is that you may get requests from people you don’t know and people you don’t want to have access to your location. This isn’t a big deal often, but it is a bit of a hassle to constantly reject strangers from accessing your location.

Finally, this app has a major downside because hackers can access the app, hack your personal information, and be able to locate you. Once the hackers have your location, they may have access to your address. Think about the pros and cons before downloading this app.

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Read More: 5 Tips to Determine if an Email is Actually a Phishing Scam

While you should still implement this type of authentication on all your accounts, protect yourself further with an antiphishing app that adds another layer of security to your device and data. With dfndr security, your phone will have an anti -hacking feature that protects your device and warns you of malicious links, blocks them, and prevents you from falling for phishing emails.

Here’s what you should know about the malware that can wipe two-factor authentication.

Not as Powerful as it Looks
Security researchers released a video that shows how easy it is to take over an account or someone’s personal information, even with this type of authentication. The video revealed a phishing email with a bit of code that can steal or compromise the login information of a user by placing the code into a login box.

Fraudulent LinkedIn Email
The phishing scam sends what appears to be a legitimate LinkedIn email showing that someone is trying to connect with them through the social media site. The researchers showed that if you look closely, the return address of the email is not correct as it’s actually a spoofed version of LinkedIn.

What Happens Next?
If the target falls for the phishing email and clicks the “interested” button, the malware will then be downloaded onto the victim’s device. The email then takes the victim to the real LinkedIn site where they log in their information to complete the connection process, including having the site send an access code to the account holder’s phone.

While this is going on, the malware in the background has gained control of the email and password linked with the victim’s account, along with the session cookie. The criminal can then use the victim’s information to log into their account, even without two-factor authentication and without the victim’s device.

Scary Stuff! What Should I Do?
Naturally, two-factor authentication will not help you at this stage, so the best thing you can do is download an antivirus app like dfndr security that has antiphishing technology, but don’t just leave it up to a security app, be sure to always check emails closely. The sender address, how the email is composed (language and punctuation), and the urgency level are some clues to whether or not an email is legitimate.

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Read More: Avoid Overcharging That Precious Phone

Delete Old Files
One of the main ways that devices slow down over time is when you download too many apps, take too many pictures and videos, or save tons of files. There’s an easy way to get rid of old files and clean out your device’s storage capacity — dfndr performance has a handy quick cleaner feature.

The feature helps to remove junk files from your phone, while also cleaning the cache, any temporary files, and other stored data that’s hogging up phone space. By clearing up internal space and on your SD card, your phone will run faster.

Ditch Those Duplicate Photos
We often take multiple pictures of the same object (including ourselves) on a quest for the perfect picture. However, many of us fail to delete those duplicate photos once we’ve posted the image on social media and promptly forget about it. The duplicate photos feature identifies repeated photos on your device and offers you the choice of which ones to delete and which ones to keep. (But remember, the aim is to get rid of pics, so try to keep only 1 copy!)

Use One App at a Time
A common problem that Android users have is there are multiple apps running in the background, which stresses the RAM memory and slows down a device. dfndr performance’s speed boost feature can identify which apps are running at once and close them to speed up your phone. This can also help reduce the amount of lockups and crashes when out and about using your device.

Hate Notifications? We Do Too
We have all dealt with too many notifications popping up on our smartphones. Control which notifications are sent to your “do not disturb” list and have the ability to view and clean junk notifications with one touch with notification cleaner. Activating this will unbog your phone and keep it clutter free. Pretty nifty, right?

With these tips, we hope you’re convinced that a performance app like dfndr is exactly what your budget needs to keep that ol’phone happy.

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Windows
A simple trick for Windows is to merely place your sensitive information within a folder and then mark the folder as ‘hidden,’ which will hide it within the file explorer. To hide a folder, right click on the folder and select the properties option. Once the properties dialogue is open, ensure there is a checkmark next to the hidden label – that’s all there is to this method! When you want to view that hidden folder, simply select the view tab within the file explorer and check the option to display hidden items.

Read More: 3 Private Messenger Apps That’ll Keep It Confidential

MacOS
The process isn’t as easy on Mac and does involve a bit of time in the Terminal application. If you’re unfamiliar with using Terminal, we suggest checking out a quick tutorial first. Start by opening the Terminal app from your Applications folder and navigate to the directory in which your folder is placed. Once you are within the proper directory type the following command, followed by the enter key,’ to hide the folder: “chflags hidden [name of folder].” For example, if we have a folder named ‘photos’ which we want to keep hidden, we would type: “chflags hidden photos.”

Android
Due to the open nature of the Android platform, one of the best options for hiding sensitive data is a third-party solution. One such option is dfndr vault, an app that easily allows you to create a hidden gallery of photos and videos; it even offers a feature known as applock, which can prevent access to certain apps by letting you add a secure passcode. No need to worry anymore about friends snooping around your Tinder profile or co-workers discovering embarrassing snapshots. Android users can also take advantage of dfndr performance, which has a ‘quick cleaner’ feature to remove any private information that might be in your device’s temporary files.

iOS
If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, you can choose to add your private photos or videos to a ‘hidden gallery’ built into the device. Simply visit your Photo app and navigate to the media you wish to hide, once there tap the share button (the square with the upward facing arrow), and select hide from the menu. The photo you just chose to hide will no longer be viewable from the main camera roll or any of the adjacent photo features. To view the private collection, head to your albums and locate the folder named Hidden. Sadly this option won’t keep the most curious of individuals out, but it will prevent any private images from popping up while scrolling through your camera roll.

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Consider securing your Android phone by installing dfndr security, which offers an applock feature to keep wandering fingers from accessing your apps and an anti-theft feature to quickly lockdown or locate your phone should it go missing.

Let’s give you a few more safety tips so you can hit that Independence Day event with confidence.

Use a Passcode
Worried about leaving your phone behind at a table or aside so that you can go for a swim? Stop wandering fingers and curious minds from getting at your device by ensuring that you have a secure passcode on your device. We suggest choosing an alphanumeric passcode, or at the very least a numeric passcode, to remain safe. Try to avoid any ‘pattern passcodes’ as they can be considerably easier to break.

Ensure Anti-Theft is Watching Your Back
The instance that your smartphone is stolen be ready to track it down by employing the anti-theft feature in dfndr security. Without any form of anti-theft protection, your device is good as gone, but with a security app installed you might have a chance of getting the phone and your digital life back. If it seems like your device is unrecoverable, you do have the option to remotely delete your sensitive data.

Store Your Device Smartly
There’s nothing more inviting than a phone sitting out in the open. With so many smartphones that look similar, a thief might not even receive a single glance when your device is nabbed. Use smarts and keep your device stored in a pocket, backpack, or another area on your person that can hide a phone.

The 4th of July is a fun and exciting but don’t wake up the next day without a phone and with a killer hangover. Both situations would not be ideal! By remaining responsible and safe, your phone and your good time will remain intact.

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GandCrab
Recently, GrandCrab has grabbed everyone’s attention. The ransomware was discovered just this year and continues to hold everyday individuals hostage by encrypting all of the data on a user’s machine. What makes this piece of malware so ingenious is the way it’s been designed to hide the identity of the hackers who created it. To remove the ransomware from your machine, you must pay between $300-500 through a secure TOR network connection using an anonymous cryptocurrency known as Dash.

Read More: How to Protect Your Data from Ransomware Attacks

WannaCry
Accurately described by its name, the WannaCry strain of malware will indeed make you weep if you fall victim to it. The malicious piece of ransomware infected individuals in over 150 countries last year, in addition to targeting Britain’s National Health Service. Initially, the software used a piece of the Microsoft Windows file sharing system to infect other machines, but it eventually evolved. As with other ransomware scams, anyone infected found themselves forced to pay, this time via Bitcoin if they ever wanted to see if their data again.

GoldenEye
Not to be confused with the action-packed James Bond film of the 1990s, GoldenEye is a nasty piece of malware that’s also known as ‘NotPetya.’ Infecting reputable companies such as AP Moller-Maersk, Cadbury, FedEx, and Merck, the ransomware requested $300 for every computer infected. Easy to be tricked by, the malware sneaks onto your machine through an email or infected Word document. To add insult to injury, the malware has been smart enough to clear any actions it takes on a device, making it difficult to track down the criminal creators.

How Do You Stay Safe?
What’s disturbing is each piece of malware noted above have all been released within the last few years. Your data is at significant risk because ransomware attacks grow more aggressive each year.

Your computer isn’t the only device at risk either, collections of malware also target Android users. You can keep yourself protected by downloading dfndr security which has a full virus scan feature to locate any threats on your device, as well an anti-hacking feature that’s powered by AI, which will block malicious links before you click on them.

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Read More: Which Android Apps Should You Be Locking?

If you want to keep curious individuals out of your Android phone, we recommend dfndr security’s applock feature. By creating a secondary passcode, you can quickly lock down apps that you don’t want anyone to access on your device. Whether your phone is stolen or you’re lending it to a friend, using applock can ensure your most important apps are off limits.

The concept of locking down apps, in general, might seem weird. You might be wondering, why bother doing this and on what occasions would you need to?

 Love Knows No Bounds in Your eBooks
We know, you love Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight books; it’s the way she weaves vampire romance onto a page, but you don’t want your friends to discover her books’ in your Kindle app – not to mention all the detailed notes and highlights you took on Edward and Bella’s relationship. Be smart, lock your secrets away, but don’t delete the ‘undead’ passion.

Absolutely Not, You Can’t Buy That on Amazon
Kids seem to be born with an instant ability to understand technology, but that can sometimes have a downside. Keep those prying little fingers out of shopping and financial apps such as Android Pay or the Amazon Store. Sure, you want to make your kid happy, but how thrilled will you be when a $250 LEGO set shows up at your doorstep?

That Embarrassing Photo, ‘You Know the One’
It was late, you definitely lost count of the beers you were drinking and the number of karaoke songs you sang badly. Sure, you can look at the pics and laugh now, but your mother-in-law might beam a cold stare at you when she accidentally clicks on your photo gallery. Lock it all down, and hopefully, she won’t be curious to see what you were up to last Saturday.

Stop Your Friend From ‘Fixing’ Your Love Life
Anyone single can relate to dealing with ‘that person’ – the one who has made it their mission to put you in a relationship. Keep your privacy under wraps, and keep others from swiping left for you. After all, do you really need a date with another person that your friend finds absolutely ‘perfect?’ Maybe it’s time to “fire” your self-appointed matchmaker, because no, that guy in ripped camo shorts with the python probably isn’t your soulmate, no matter what your friend thinks.

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How Tabnapping Attempts to Trick You
This is how tabnabbing works. Say you stumble onto a website – maybe you found an interesting web article, clicked on a link sent by a friend, or are researching a specific topic. Often when we’re busy, opening several tabs to save a page or blog post to read later is normal multitasking, but this is where tabnabbers get you. When you open a new tab to work on something else, the malicious page begins to transform in the background while you’re occupied and not looking.

Read More: Phishing Attacks Can Be Stealthier Than You Think

The bogus website’s icon, known as a favicon, suddenly changes to something else like the Google logo, with the entire webpage following suit. When you tab back to where you were before, you’re presented with a fake Google account login box. You quickly assume that you were automatically logged out of something and enter your credentials, but what you don’t realize is you just fell for a dubious phishing attack. And now a hacker has your login information.

Tabnabbing are targeted attacks — hackers scour for vulnerabilities in HTML script, image loads, and various web browsers. Methods like this allow hackers to detect which site a user is visiting, or what sites a user visits regularly. For example, if you use Facebook daily, a hacker could simply switch out a tab to the Facebook login screen and ensnare you to enter personal details.

There is Hope for Protection
Keep following necessary security standards such as always checking the website URL, not only once it loads, but whenever you’re being prompted for a password or other personal information. Implementing two-factor authentication can also make it more difficult for hackers to access your account even if they’ve managed to get a hold of your password.

Finally, always have an antivirus software installed on all your devices, both computer, and smartphone. dfndr security is a well-rated app for Android devices and offers advanced technology based on AI machine learning. There is a full virus scan feature that scans your device from top to bottom and detects malware or viruses, and the anti-hacking feature blocks any malicious links before you even click on them.

The big lesson here? Your data is at risk, but the good news is you don’t have to go it alone.

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Begin Protecting Your Device
One way to start protecting your Android if manufacturers aren’t doing it is to use a reliable third-party app like dfndr security. Take advantage of a full virus scan feature and anti-hacking technology that fights any malware threats or phishing attempts. With 21 other great features included, you may not be able to control your manufacturer, but you can stay one step ahead of hackers.

Read More: What You Need to Know About Google’s Security Patch Record

According to the study, the manufacturers have been claiming within their devices’ settings that all security and system patches are up to date when they are actually behind. This practice of deceit not only leaves Android phones vulnerable but also calls into question the validity of a manufacturer’s security practices. In order to find the cleverly hidden lie, the firmware of many devices had to be carefully examined.

For Some, The Problem is Worse Than Others|
Companies with a mix of patched and unpatched devices or only behind by a single patch includes Google, Sony, Samsung, and Wiko Mobile. However, of those noted previously, companies HTC, Huawei, LG, Motorola, TCL, and ZTE are at least 3 or more patches behind. While Google is the company that issues patches for the Android operating system, it’s the responsibility of each manufacturer to deliver patches to their line of handsets accurately.

Some Light at the End of the Tunnel
Luckily, there could be a possible solution. Google has begun implementing a new project they have dubbed Treble. The project attempts to fix manufacturer patching issues by putting more control of Android’s core back into the hands of Google. What this means is your device could be updated as soon as a patch is released without having to wait for a manufacturer. While Treble has been included in Android 8.0 Oreo, not all devices currently support it. However, the good news is the project will be implemented on all Android devices moving forward.

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Read More: Everything You Need to Know About the Huawei Mate 9

While there’s no concrete evidence backing these claims, a bill that bans the ownership of Huawei and ZTEA phones is being introduced by government officials with the intention of ‘protecting” the nation’s safety.

A Decade of Backlash in the U.S.
Back in 2008 and 2010, the U.S. government shut down bills that would have allowed Huawei to acquire U.S. telecommunications companies to further their business. Then, in 2012, an investigation conducted by the House Intelligence Committee found that Huawei and ZTE posed a threat to the national security of the U.S. government and stateside companies.

Sen. Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, co-introduced the aforementioned bill and held a panel where he asked U.S. government and law enforcement leaders about the perils of purchasing from Chinese manufacturers. FBI Director Christopher Wray expressed concern over allowing companies from foreign governments gaining positions of power in U.S. telecommunications networks, opening the door for these companies to modify or steal information.

Chinese Companies Seek to Expand in the U.S.
Huawei and ZTE have faced further resistance attempting to increase their shares of the U.S. smartphone market, including backlash from AT&T due to these claims. The carrier unexpectedly canceled its plans to roll out the Huawei Mate 10 Pro smartphone. Verizon followed suit, saying it wouldn’t sell any Huawei phones.

The two carriers may not sell smartphones from these companies but they still sell low-end ZTE phones. However, U.S. officials are still concerned as unlocked smartphones from Huawei and ZTE can be found at any major U.S. retailer.

Should I Be Worried?
Huawei responded to these claims by noting they aware that several U.S. government entities are attempting to inhibit them from entering the U.S. market. The company says it poses no threat than any ICT vendor and its devices are trusted by governments and customers in 170 countries worldwide.

While there’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that these phones are being used for  espionage or if it’s much ado about nothing, most security concerns from using ZTE and Huawei  stems more from potentially compromised apps or malware than anything else.

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An excellent way to take this new threat seriously is to download dfndr security. This 4.5 rated app has a full virus scan feature that scans your files, images, and even the SD card of your Android to check for any viruses or malware. You can’t stay alert all day and night, so utilizing an app that has your back is the best way to start.

Read More: AV-TEST Rates dfndr as Top Among Antivirus Apps

What’s Vulnerable and Why
A feature known as CPU data cache timing, which allows computers to work fast, is at the heart of this major security breach. Explained in easy terms, a machine’s data cache allows it to access bits of information faster than it would without this feature. Unfortunately, a vulnerability in the data cache timing process allows malware to intercept sensitive data such as password information.

Exploits Are Rapidly Increasing
While the most substantial issue has been laptop and desktop computers running Intel or AMD processors, the ARM processors found on smartphones are also at risk. With almost 140 pieces of malware utilizing the new vulnerabilities, consumers and businesses need to remain cautious and on the lookout.

Most Android devices utilize a processor architecture known as ARM – one of the more vulnerable platforms. This means the most popular devices in the world such as Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Motorola’s Moto, are at risk for the vulnerability.

Possible Solutions to Stay Safe
One possible solution implemented by Intel was halted as the company found the security patch caused system instability. When new vulnerabilities are discovered, companies are typically able to patch them and prevent further damage. However, as we stand months later, Intel and other CPU manufacturers have yet to provide a solution for such a collection of risky vulnerabilities.

For now, the best option for protecting yourself is to ensure that all of your devices such as laptops, computers, smartphones are fully updated to the latest software versions. Running a reliable antivirus solution is also strongly recommended and is your best chance of remaining unaffected by the exploits.

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One way to ward off malicious apps is to download a third-party security app such as dfndr security, which includes a full-virus scan feature. A scan of your Android device will do a deep dive into your files and even your SD card. Worried that you might forget to scan your phone regularly? Not a problem, just use scheduled scans which can run while you’re asleep.

Read More: Is it Safe to Download Apps Outside of Google Play?

In this latest case of infected apps, a piece of malware known as ‘Andr/HiddnAd-AJ’ (try to say that ten times fast) was able to load itself onto a number of apps designed to read QR-Codes. Apps infested with the malware included: QR Code / Barcode Reader, QR Code Free Scanner, and QR & Barcode Scanner. There were a total of seven apps infected, and the malicious apps were downloaded over 500,000 times before being pulled by the Google Play Store.

We know how hard it can be to avoid malware in a world filled with it, but here are a few tips to get you started on a safer journey through the endless world of Android apps.

Download Only Official Sources
We’re aware that this point may appear moot as we noted that the infected apps came from the official Google Play Store, but even though an official source may not be 100% clean, it’s still much safer than downloading an app elsewhere. Despite missing the occasional piece of malware, Google has quite a positive record of keeping their ecosystem clean from the mess.

Avoid Apps From the Web
As you can infer from our last comment, you’re best to avoid downloading apps directly from the Internet or something you found on social media. These apps are more likely to be infected with dangerous malware and are typically prefaced with a request to turn off a security feature to allow app installations from ‘unofficial sources.’ Take this as an immediate red flag and don’t download.

Watch Those Permissions
Once you’ve downloaded an app from an official source such as Google Play or Amazon App Store, try to remain aware. Legitimate apps ask for permissions to access certain parts of your system. In some circumstances, this is normal but use your best judgment. A new email app would request access to your contacts, but why would a QR-Code reader need the same?

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Here’s why overcharging your phone is a no-no and could have lasting negative effects.

Read More: Why Does Your Phone Notify You When It’s Fully Charged

Avoid ‘Trickle Charges’
Most modern phones are equipped with lithium-ion batteries and charging capabilities that are more efficient than regular rechargeable batteries. This means that once they reach 100%, your charger will stop fueling your device. However, if you leave your phone charged overnight, it will lose bits of battery here and there, resulting in “trickle charges” that ensures your device stays at 100%.

Constantly charging your phone over the course of hours slowly reduces battery life capacity, so it’s wise to avoid this practice. Having a high voltage will stress the battery unnecessarily.

Other Smart Charging Practices
You also shouldn’t wait until your device reaches 0% to charge because that can harm the battery. To optimize battery life, wait until the battery is down to around 35% to 40% before charging. Also, consider replacing your phone every few years to avoid dealing with these issues. if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to buy a phone that frequently, the right charging practices can add mileage to your current phone.

Choose the Right Adapter and Charger
When shopping for a charger, you can learn a lot about how it will affect your phone based on the amp rating. The ideal rating is 5.0V->1A, which refers to how quickly your phone will charge; higher amp ratings charge faster, while lower ones charge slower. With a 1A charger, your phone will charge at the optimal speed to help keep your battery life strong in the long term.

Get Performance-Enhancing Software
Finally, the right app can ensure that your phone fires on all cylinders. With dfndr performance’s total charge feature, you’ll be notified when the charging process is complete and can unplug your phone. The feature also has a charger monitor screen that activates once you connect to a charger, letting you know how long a full charge will take.

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But if you’ve had enough, whipping your smartphone back into shape is simple and that’s where dfndr performance can help. With a quick cleanup feature, your junk files can be removed with ease by scanning your SD card, trash, cache, and temporary files to free up space on your device.

Let us show you why those files are slowing your Android device down and how to take care of it quickly.

Why Your Phone Seems So Dang Slow
A vital question to first address is wasn’t your smartphone designed to store a high number of files and photos? In short, yes, your smartphone is indeed equipped to handle a specific number of files. Smartphone manufacturers release different models that vary in capacity, so it’s always important to make a selection based on how much data you plan to store. However, a bit of extra room should still be available for the phone system itself.

Read More: These 5 File Types Are Using up All of Your Phone’s Memory

When you choose a function on your phone, such as opening an app or shooting an HD video, your device needs extra space to process temporary information.The system needs to search for somewhere it can save data as it works, so if space is limited, the system might be fighting other apps that also need storage on your device.

When your smartphone saves a photograph or video, it must first be split up into different pieces. Your phone’s internal memory does not always have free areas right next to one another on the disc. As a result, your device may cut up data into smaller pieces and spread it around as it sees fit. This process can cause what is called “fragmentation”, which slows down your device as it attempts to find all the various pieces it needs.

Be Proactive About That Deadweight
If you’re worried about the state of your smartphone, start cleaning out any old, duplicate photos that you might have. Old applications that you no longer use might also be taking up quite a bit of space. Take the time to take care of your smartphone, and in return, it will provide a speedy and quick experience when you most need it.

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Perhaps it’s time to opt for a storage app like dfndr vault, which allows you to lockdown apps, keep photos or videos private by encrypting them and saving them to a cloud storage of your choice. You can even add an extra layer of privacy with biometric recognition.

If you want to ensure your photos and videos stay safe for specific eyes only, here are a few suggestions:

Delete Extra Content
Start by making your tracks less noticeable. Delete any duplicate intimate photos or videos that may be stored on your smartphone. Sure, this won’t necessarily hide any of your content away, but having a single picture of a moment beats having 7 different snapshots scattered in your library. Just as you should keep your phone clean and tidy, be sure to delete duplicates to reduce your NSFW footprint.

Read More: Protect Your Private Photos in a Private Gallery

Disable Google Photo Sync
Android devices include a nifty feature that will automatically backup your photos and videos to the cloud once you connect to Wi-Fi. These backups can be performed to iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. While an excellent solution for making sure your favorite holiday photos are stored, if your smartphone houses a mini boudoir you may not want the service active. To disable having your photos automatically backed up to the cloud, head to your device’s settings and locate ‘Auto Backup,’ there you can disable the backup functionality that may give away your little secret to the cloud.

Hide Your Photos Deep Within
If you don’t mind getting a bit technical and opening up a file manager on your device, you can create a hidden folder for storing NSFW content. Open your file manager of choice, create a new folder with a name that begins with a period (.), and move all of your photos and videos to this new location. The Gallery app on Android will ignore any folders that begin with a period, so this is a clever way to keep your private photos out of the main photo app – simply use the file manager to access the images.

Add That Secure Passcode
Finally, and we repeat it all the time, add a secure passcode to unlock your device. Merely head to ‘Settings’ and seek out your ‘Unlock Security’ settings. We recommend avoiding easy to guess pattern or pins. Try utilizing a code that is at least six digits, doesn’t repeat, and isn’t a combination that’s easy to guess – such as your birthdate.

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An excellent way to start is to secure your device from becoming infected by malware. Most cases of the Fakebank malware occurred from downloading software from third-party app markets and through social media. dfndr security’s full virus scan feature ensures that all files and programs on your Android’s internal memory or external SD card are entirely secure. 

Read More: What You Need to Know About Online Banking

Of course, being protected is also about practicing basic security guidelines in your day to day smartphone habits. Here are a few tips you can follow to prevent your device from becoming infected by malware such as Fakebank.

Download From Reputable App Stores
Most malicious apps do not come directly from the official Google Play Store but from other questionable third-party markets. Worse yet, some applications are downloaded directly from the web due to receiving a link on social media or within an email. Make sure you only download from reputable sources such as Google Play or the Amazon App Store.

Dole Out App Permissions Carefully
When you install an application, it may ask you for specific permissions to access parts of your phone. Fakebank takes advantage of a permission setting in some Android versions called ‘System Alert Window,’ allowing the app to display an official message that appears to be from your phone itself. Before accepting any permissions for apps you download, use your best judgment to determine what an app truly needs to access in order to function.

Make Sure Your Bank Security is Updated
Lastly, although not entirely related, be sure that your bank account security is adequately set up. While Fakebank does have an ability to intercept SMS two-factor messages, it still doesn’t hurt to set the feature up to protect yourself against other types of malware. Also, check with your bank to see if you can receive emails alerts for any suspicious logins.

Follow these bits of advice, and you should be just a tad safer from malicious malware like Fakebank.

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We’re going to cover some of the standard internal Android settings you can activate to keep your device safe, but first – how do you also keep online data leaving your device secure? Using a VPN such as dfndr vpn, can ensure that anytime you access the Internet, your activities are encrypted until it reaches its final destination. Personal VPN solutions prevent snoops from seeing your IP, even your ISP won’t be able to track what you’re viewing whether it’s “meme of the day” or your private bank account information.

Read More: If Your Phone is Lost or Stolen, Here’s What You Do

Now let’s look at three Android settings that can keep your phone even more locked down.

Securing From the Get-Go
One of the most straightforward Android settings that’s often  overlooked is merely enabling the screen lock functionality. Found under the ‘Security and Location’ tab in your smartphone, you can enable a PIN, pattern, or passcode that’s required when waking the device. The first line of defense against an intruder accessing your phone is easy to implement and many manufacturers are making the ability more convenient with fingerprint or facial identification.

Go Ahead, Encrypt That Data
If you’re ready to take the next step, it’s essential that you enable the ‘Encrypt Phone’ function found under the ‘Security and Locations’ tab on your device. While a passcode will keep the casual thief at bay, your data is not entirely protected if someone attempts to connect your phone to a computer and access the information. Turning on the encryption function means that every private moment and piece of information on your phone is locked down until you enter a passcode. It’s worth noting that some older phones decrease in performance when the feature is enabled, so if yours is a few years old, this might be a hindrance rather than an advantage.

Don’t Let Data Slip Out
Securing your device could be a waste if the information you’re securing merely appears on the lock screen, which is easily seen by a thief. If you don’t want your private messages or other notifications displayed use the ‘Hide Sensitive Notification Content’ option under the ‘Sound and Notifications’ tab. By activating this setting, your lock screen will show notifications from specific applications, but won’t show the content until your phone is unlocked.

Use these handy settings to ensure you’re the only one to see what’s on your phone.

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