The mobile feature you might want to turn off to keep your personal and banking info safe
Cybercrime is constantly evolving, targeting cell phone users to steal personal and financial data. Hackers use various tactics, from insecure connections to deceptive calls, to access our information. However, there is a crucial function in cell phones that, if disabled, can.
The risk of automatic connections to public wifi
Smartphones with wifi enabled automatically search for networks, whether secure or not. This can jeopardize your data, as cybercriminals exploit public networks to access device information.
How to protect yourself?
- Disable auto-connect to wifi networks before leaving home.
- Use your mobile data instead of free networks in places like cafes, airports, or restaurants, often lacking security.
Leaving wifi on not only compromises security but also drains your phone’s battery unnecessarily.
Phone scams and common phrases
Another common method used by criminals is robocalling or fraudulent calls. According to cybersecurity expert Julio López, 90% of unknown calls could be scams.
The three most common scam phrases:
- “Let’s simulate a credit” – Scammer offers a fake financial service and requests personal and banking details.
- “We sent a security code to your phone” – Sharing this code gives criminals access to bank accounts or payment apps.
- “Let’s install an application” – Scammer tricks victims into downloading malicious software to steal personal and financial data.
Final recommendations for data protection
- Turn off auto wifi and only connect to secure networks.
- Be cautious of unknown calls asking for personal info, security codes, or app downloads.
- Share info only with official channels and verify the caller’s identity.
- If you get a suspicious call, hang up and verify before taking action.
In a world where cybercrimes are on the rise, safeguarding your data requires simple preventive measures. Your cell phone can be a valuable tool, but without precautions, it can also be a gateway for scammers.
