{"id":2891,"date":"2025-04-30T10:54:43","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T08:54:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trustlab.upct.es\/2025\/04\/30\/como-proteger-tu-movil-de-hackers\/"},"modified":"2025-09-19T10:48:02","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T08:48:02","slug":"how-to-protect-your-cell-phone-from-hackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trustlab.upct.es\/en\/2025\/04\/30\/how-to-protect-your-cell-phone-from-hackers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to protect your cell phone from hackers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We live glued to our cell phones. In it are our messages, our photos, our money… and even our identity. That’s exactly why protecting it from hackers is no longer an option, it’s a necessity<\/strong>. But don’t worry: you don’t need to become paranoid or study cybersecurity to keep it safe. You just need to know the weak points… and reinforce them with simple and effective actions.<\/p>

Here are 10 key tips to shield your mobile<\/strong> against attacks, malware and digital espionage. They are all explained in detail, in a practical way and, above all, with you in mind.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

10 tips to protect your mobile from hackers<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

1. Do not use public Wi-Fi networks without protection<\/h3>

Open Wi-Fi networks are like a party where anyone can enter, watch, copy or steal. You are in a coffee shop, the airport or the subway, you see a free network, you connect… and without realizing it, your information starts to travel without a seat belt.<\/p>

\u00a0<\/p>

Hackers can use techniques such as \u201cMan-in-the-Middle\u201d, where they intercept the connection between your mobile and the server you are accessing. The result? They can see passwords, emails, messages and more.<\/p>

What can you do?<\/strong><\/p>

  • Avoid<\/strong> connecting to public networks for sensitive transactions such as payments or logging in to your bank.<\/li>
  • If you need to connect, use a VPN<\/strong> (virtual private network). It encrypts your connection and makes it unreadable to third parties.<\/li>
  • Enable the \u201cdo not automatically connect to open networks<\/strong>\u201d option in the Wi-Fi settings.<\/li>
  • Disable \u201cfile sharing\u201d and Bluetooth if you don’t need it.<\/li><\/ul>

    A free network can be very expensive if you are not protected. So it is better to be safe than sorry.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Buenas\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"como\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    2. Install a good antivirus (and don’t ignore it)<\/h3>

    Many people think that antivirus is only for computers, but cell phones are just as vulnerable<\/strong>. Fake applications, disguised malware, dangerous links in emails or WhatsApp… all this also reaches the smartphone.<\/p>

    A good antivirus protects you in real time: it detects threats, blocks malicious links and checks the behavior of apps. Some even warn you if your email appears in any data leaks (thank you, massive leaks!).<\/p>

    Recommendations:<\/strong><\/p>

    • Choose reliable antivirus such as Bitdefender, Norton, Avast or McAfee<\/strong>. There are free versions with basic functions.<\/li>
    • Do not install two antivirus at the same time. They can interfere with each other.<\/li>
    • Enable automatic updates. Threats evolve and so must your shield.<\/li><\/ul>

      Do not trust: an antivirus is your silent watchman. You won’t see it at work all the time, but when you need it… you’ll want it to be there.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

      \n\t\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t
      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

      3. Enable screen lock with biometrics<\/h3>

      Did you know that 30% of people don’t have any kind of lock on their mobile? If you lose your phone and someone finds it, they can access everything with a swipe of their finger. Alarming, isn’t it?<\/p>

      The screen lock is your first line of defense. The best option today is biometrics<\/strong>: fingerprint, facial recognition or even iris in some models.<\/p>

      Advantages of biometric locking:<\/strong><\/p>

      • Fast, convenient and difficult to forge.<\/li>
      • No need to remember passwords.<\/li>
      • Works even if your cell phone is stolen while unlocked (many systems can be locked remotely).<\/li><\/ul>

        \u00a0<\/p>

        Extra tips:<\/strong><\/p>

        • Accompany biometrics with a PIN or strong pattern<\/strong> as a backup.<\/li>
        • Set up automatic wiping of content after several unsuccessful attempts.<\/li>
        • Avoid simple patterns such as an \u201cL\u201d or a straight line. Surprise the hacker with an abstract drawing.<\/li><\/ul>

          \u00a0<\/p>

          Protecting the entrance to your cell phone is like putting up an armored door. Let them at least have to sweat to get in.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"como\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"como\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t
          \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

          4. Review and manage the permissions of your applications<\/h3>

          Many applications request unnecessary permissions for their operation. These accesses can be used to collect personal data, access the microphone, camera or location without the user noticing.<\/p>

          Best practices:<\/strong><\/p>

          • Access your system’s settings panel and review the permissions granted by category (location, camera, camera, microphone, contacts, etc.).<\/li>
          • Revoke those permissions that are not essential for the operation of the application.<\/li>
          • Avoid granting permissions automatically when installing new apps.<\/li><\/ul>

            Controlling permissions is one of the most effective measures to avoid information leaks or unauthorized access.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

            \n\t\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t
            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

            5. Always keep your operating system updated<\/h3>

            Updates are not just about changing the design or adding new functions. Every time you update your mobile system, you are closing doors that hackers could use to get in<\/strong>.<\/p>

            Developers on Android, iOS and other platforms detect security flaws all the time. When one is found, they release a \u201cpatch\u201d that fixes the vulnerability. If you don’t update, your phone is left open to known attacks.<\/p>

            What you should do:<\/strong><\/p>

            • Turn on automatic updates.<\/strong> Don’t let \u201cI’ll do it later\u201d become an invitation for cybercrime.<\/li>
            • Also update applications, especially browsers, banking apps and social networks.<\/li>
            • If your mobile no longer receives updates because it is too old, consider changing it for a newer one. It may seem like an expense, but it is an investment in security.<\/li><\/ul>

              \u00a0<\/p>

              Remember: if you do not correct the errors in your system, others will do it… but against you.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"como\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t
              \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

              6. Do not download apps outside official stores<\/h3>

              We know: sometimes you get an app via WhatsApp, or you see a supposedly free \u201cpremium\u201d version on an external website. But installing apps outside the Google Play Store or App Store<\/strong> is like inviting a stranger to sleep in your house without asking questions.<\/p>

              Apps outside official stores can:<\/strong><\/p>

              • Carry hidden malware that installs without you noticing.<\/li>
              • Record your keystrokes (keyloggers).<\/li>
              • Activate microphone or camera without real permission.<\/li>
              • Send data to remote servers in unregulated countries.<\/li><\/ul>

                \u00a0<\/p>

                What you should do:<\/strong><\/p>

                • Disable the option to install apps from unknown sources (Android allows it manually).<\/li>
                • Check the ratings and reviews of apps in the official stores.<\/li>
                • Even within the store, be suspicious if an app has too many features to be free or has unnecessary permissions.<\/li><\/ul>

                  \u00a0<\/p>

                  All that glitters is not gold. And on the web, what seems free is often paid for… with your data.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

                  \n\t\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t
                  \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                  7. Use unique passwords and password managers<\/h3>

                  If your go-to password for everything is \u201c123456\u201d, \u2018yourName123\u2019 or \u201cpassword\u201d, this tip is for you. Hackers don’t guess, they use lists of millions of common combinations<\/strong> in automated attacks. If your password is easy or repeated, it’s a matter of time before it goes down.<\/p>

                  The solution is not to remember 50 complex passwords, but to use a password manager. These apps create and store secure passwords for you.<\/p>

                  Best practices:<\/strong><\/p>

                  • Use passwords of at least 12 characters, combining letters, numbers and symbols.<\/li>
                  • Do not repeat passwords between services.<\/li>
                  • Change the most critical ones (email, banking, networks) from time to time.<\/li><\/ul>

                    \u00a0<\/p>

                    Your password is the key to your digital life. Are you really going to use the same one for everything?<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                    8.Enable two-step authentication whenever you can<\/h3>

                    Even if you have a good password, it is possible that it could be leaked<\/strong> in a data breach. What can prevent you from being hacked in that case? Two-step authentication, also called 2FA verification.<\/p>

                    Here’s how it works: when you log in, it asks you for a second proof of identity<\/strong>, such as a code sent to your cell phone or an authentication app (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, etc.). Even if they have your password, without this second factor they will not be able to log in.<\/p>

                    Activate it in:<\/strong><\/p>

                    • Email<\/li>
                    • Social networks<\/li>
                    • Banking apps<\/li>
                    • Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)<\/li><\/ul>

                      \u00a0<\/p>

                      Many services offer you this option and we don’t activate it because we are \u201clazy\u201d. But it is one of the best barriers against account theft.<\/p>

                      A password can be stolen. A second factor… complicates things quite a bit for the attacker.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

                      \n\t\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t
                      \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                      9. Don’t click on suspicious links (even if they look like they’re from your bank)<\/h3>

                      \u00a0Phishing<\/em> is one of the techniques most used by hackers. You get a message by SMS, WhatsApp or mail saying \u201cUpdate your account now\u201d or \u201cThere is a problem with your order\u201d along with a link. You click… and end up on a fake page that steals your information.<\/p>

                      Some are almost impossible to spot if you’re not paying attention.<\/p>

                      Practical advice:<\/strong><\/p>

                      • Never enter personal data from a link. It is better to enter the site yourself from your browser.<\/li>
                      • Check the domain of the link: google.com is trustworthy, but g00gle.com is not.<\/li>
                      • If the message has spelling mistakes, exaggerated urgency or threats, be suspicious<\/strong>.<\/li>
                      • Do not download attachments from unknown senders.<\/li><\/ul>

                        \u00a0<\/p>

                        Remember: your bank will never ask you for confidential information by message. And no legitimate sweepstakes requires you to pay to \u201cclaim your prize\u201d.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

                        \n\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t
                        \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                        10. Install a VPN if you are going to connect from public sites<\/h3>

                        We already mentioned it in the first tip, but it deserves its own space. A VPN (Virtual Private Network)<\/strong> creates a secure tunnel between your mobile and the server you are connecting to. So, even if you use public Wi-Fi, your data is encrypted.<\/p>

                        Why do you need a VPN? <\/strong><\/p>

                        • Encrypts your connection:<\/strong> Prevents hackers from intercepting data on insecure networks.<\/li>
                        • Hide your IP:<\/strong> Protect your real location and avoid tracking.<\/li>
                        • Access blocked content:<\/strong> Useful for services such as Netflix from other countries.<\/li><\/ul>

                          \u00a0<\/p>

                          What a VPN does NOT do: <\/strong><\/p>

                          • Does not protect against viruses or phishing<\/strong> (if you download malware or enter a fake website, the VPN will not save you).<\/li>
                          • Not all are secure:<\/strong> Some free VPNs sell your data.<\/li>
                          • Avoid free VPNs with invasive advertising or without a clear privacy policy. They could be selling your data.<\/li>
                          • If you connect a lot away from home, a VPN is an investment in peace of mind<\/strong>. You don’t need to be a techie to use it: install it, activate it and that’s it.<\/li>
                          • Avoid free VPNs with invasive advertising or without a clear privacy policy. They could be selling your data.<\/li>
                          • If you connect a lot away from home, a VPN is an investment in peace of mind<\/strong>. You don’t need to be a technician to use it: install it, activate it and that’s it.<\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t\t

                            Are you interested in cybersecurity? <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

                            At TRUST lab we share exclusive content, updates and practical tips on digital privacy, data protection and cybersecurity. \ud83d\udee1\ufe0f
                            Subscribe to our newsletter and stay one step ahead.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

                            \n\t\t\t\t
                            \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
                            \n
                            \n

                            <\/p>

                              <\/ul><\/div>\n
                              \n
                              \n<\/fieldset>\n