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Help Hack Prevention
- Thread starter Matthew W
- Start date
Why do you think that receiving strange messages means that the phone has been hacked (since anyone can send a message to a phone, and numbers can get mixed-up)? What sort of content?
As for security, be careful where you download stuff from (be very wary of sites that offer paid apps for free), download Malwarebytes and scan the phone, pay attention to the permissions of apps you install even from the Play Store, don't install apps from Cheetah Mobile, set up 2 factor authentication on your GMail account if you haven't already done so, and don't let other people have access to your phone.
As for security, be careful where you download stuff from (be very wary of sites that offer paid apps for free), download Malwarebytes and scan the phone, pay attention to the permissions of apps you install even from the Play Store, don't install apps from Cheetah Mobile, set up 2 factor authentication on your GMail account if you haven't already done so, and don't let other people have access to your phone.
The messages say things like 'Hi Matthew, your friends sent me pictures of you. See them here..' with a link below the text.
I got my first smartphone (Turbo) about 6 months ago, and do not get the full functionality because I do not download apps that say they have access to my pictures, contacts, device history, etc., etc. Am I being too paranoid?
Thanks, Haldron,
Matthew
I got my first smartphone (Turbo) about 6 months ago, and do not get the full functionality because I do not download apps that say they have access to my pictures, contacts, device history, etc., etc. Am I being too paranoid?
Thanks, Haldron,
Matthew
Some apps do legitimately need such access: social media apps typically want to be able to post pictures, or save them, and integrate with your phonebook. So if you want to use e.g. the official Facebook app then you should expect it to have such permissions. But if a flashlight app wants anything like that then of course it's not legitimate - except that flashlight apps typically do require camera permissions because with many devices you need that in order to use the flash. So I always think there are two things to consider: does the app need this permission to do its job, and is this a legitimate app?
As for the messages, oh dear, I don't think the phone has necessarily been hacked but someone has got your number and can link it to a name, so there's been some data leakage somewhere. Whether the phone was the source of that or not it's harder to say. I doubt it's been "hacked" in the traditional sense, but it could be that an app on the phone was the source.
As for the messages, oh dear, I don't think the phone has necessarily been hacked but someone has got your number and can link it to a name, so there's been some data leakage somewhere. Whether the phone was the source of that or not it's harder to say. I doubt it's been "hacked" in the traditional sense, but it could be that an app on the phone was the source.
Crashdamage
Android Expert
I agree with Hadron. Doubtful your phone has been compromised but a bad guy has gotten your name and number somewhere, somehow.
IMHO yeah, you're maybe being a little overly cautious. Good to a point but it can really put a pinch on the usefulness and enjoyment of your phone.
It's simple to keep your phone secure. Android is a pretty secure system by design. Android users are the biggest security risk. Be a smart user.
My security basics:
1. Use a password or pattern lock to keep people out.
2. Be very careful where you get software. Use only very trustworthy sources, basically the Play store and Amazon.
3. In Settings > Security > Device administration leave Unknown sources disabled. If you must enable it to do an install don't forget to disable it when done.
4. IMHO antivirus is kinda worthless. Instead of antivirus apps install Common Sense. Use it at all times. That is the most effective protection.
5. Do not root the phone. Rooting breaks basic Android security features such as user permissions and sandboxed apps.
6. Pay attention to permissions requested by apps during installation.
7, Use 2-step authentication.
Follow these simple steps and you will have no problems. You might consider encrypting the device but there are pros and cons to that.
IMHO yeah, you're maybe being a little overly cautious. Good to a point but it can really put a pinch on the usefulness and enjoyment of your phone.
It's simple to keep your phone secure. Android is a pretty secure system by design. Android users are the biggest security risk. Be a smart user.
My security basics:
1. Use a password or pattern lock to keep people out.
2. Be very careful where you get software. Use only very trustworthy sources, basically the Play store and Amazon.
3. In Settings > Security > Device administration leave Unknown sources disabled. If you must enable it to do an install don't forget to disable it when done.
4. IMHO antivirus is kinda worthless. Instead of antivirus apps install Common Sense. Use it at all times. That is the most effective protection.
5. Do not root the phone. Rooting breaks basic Android security features such as user permissions and sandboxed apps.
6. Pay attention to permissions requested by apps during installation.
7, Use 2-step authentication.
Follow these simple steps and you will have no problems. You might consider encrypting the device but there are pros and cons to that.
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