Keep your phone safe from hackers and advertisers - Simple steps

November 2022

Cyber security is a hot topic these days.  Millions of people are impacted around the world by crooks accessing bank accounts and personal data.

Your cell phone is vulnerable if you are not careful.  Many people receive spam calls and fake texts asking to click a link.  NEVER click a text link from somebody you don’t recognize.  Texts claiming to represent Amazon, ATT, Verizon etc. are common tricks deployed by the crooks.  Just delete such texts.

Also, be very careful in granting access to data on your smartphone. 

Here are some actions you can take to protect yourself.

App Audit: Get rid of Apps you don’t use or need. Too many Apps will increase the risk.

Limit Access to data:  Many Apps request access to location, Bluetooth of contacts.  In almost all cases you don’t need to give access.  In the case or Apps like Uber and Lyft give access only when you use the Apps.   

On iPhone (iOS) Settings>Privacy then select Tracking.  Confirm that “Allow Apps to Request to Track” is OFF.  Also turn off personalized advertising from Apple by selecting Settings>Privacy> Apple Advertising then disable Personalized Ads.

On Android and Chrome go into Chrome App then Settings>Privacy and Security>Block third party cookies.  Also turn off personalized advertising by going to Settings>Google>Data and Privacy>Ad settings then disable Ad personalization.

Protect your phone and access to it at all times.

Be safe.