Public charging stations are becoming more common in airports, train stations and malls. While they may be convenient, they’re also a potential security risk. Hackers can compromise these outlets, so that when you plug into them, they gain access to all of your phone’s data.

You should keep your phone’s operating system software up to date by enabling automatic updates or accepting updates when prompted from your service provider, operating system provider, device manufacturer, or application provider. By keeping your operating system current, you reduce the risk of exposure to cyber threats.

To prevent theft and unauthorized access or loss of sensitive information, never leave your equipment—including any USB or external storage devices—unattended in a public place. Keep your devices secured in taxis, at airports, on airplanes, and in your hotel room. The more we travel, the more we are at risk for cyberattacks.

Cybercriminals can use mobile apps to infect your device with malware and gain access to your private data. When you download a new application, never give it access to other apps unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you download a new iPhone game, for example, don’t accept its request for access to your photos or location.

By hacking into Signaling System No. 7 (SS7), a system that connects mobile phone networks, cybercriminals may be able to see your locations, read your SMS messages and listen to your phone calls. If you’re planning on sharing highly private information, think about sending it through an encrypted chat app like Telegram or iMessage, so […]

Even though Apple has made six-digit passcodes the default for iPhone users, many still prefer the four-digit option (or worse, none at all), since it makes getting into your device faster. Though it may seem trivial, those extra two digits provide a much higher level of security. With four digits, there are one thousand possible […]