Teens

How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers

By Ramsey Solutions

Your smartphone holds every single personal detail about you. (Okay, not your DNA sequence . . . but you get the idea!) Even stuff you forgot long ago, like that online banking password that you wrote down in your Notes app. Believe it or not, there are hackers out there who know exactly which apps people use to store their passwords. Creepy? We agree!

So, if you’re wondering how to protect your phone from hackers, we hear you. Technology companies hear you too (sometimes without your permission, frankly). But seriously, phone providers are constantly ramping up their digital security to stay one step ahead of the bad guys. Here are eight things you can do today to protect your phone. 1. Use anti-virus software. 2. Use a passcode. 3. Install updates on your phone. 4. Use two-factor authentication. 5. Delete apps you don’t use. 6. Be careful about public Wi-Fi. 7. Don’t charge in public. 8. Back up your phone. 9. Stay aware of your phone’s location.

1. USE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE.

All smartphones come with builtin protection against hackers. If you’re an iPhone user, don’t worry about getting anti-virus software. Apple makes their phones with their own shields against viruses.

Android phones also come with built-in protection software called Google Play Protect. It’ll run safety checks on apps you’re installing, and it regularly checks apps you already have.

Because of threats like ransomware, it’s also a good idea to add a second layer of protection. (Bitdefender is consistently rated the best ransomware protection tool.) Ransomware is when hackers get access to your phone’s data and then demand money if you want your files back. Scary, right? Here’s a sobering fact: Ransomware attacks doubled in frequency in 2021 and are now 10% of all breaches. Yikes!

2. USE A PASSCODE.

It sounds basic, but one of the easiest ways to protect your phone from hackers is by locking your screen. To enter a passcode on your iPhone, go to Settings, then Passcode, and tap Turn on Passcode. Enter a six-digit passcode or tap Passcode Options to switch to a four-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code.

You can also enable the Erase All Content and Settings feature. But don’t worry, that won’t erase anything for now. Setting it up just means that if you do have a passcode and it’s unsuccessfully entered 10 times, all your phone’s data will be wiped. It’s like a fail-safe in the event of a lost or stolen phone. But think about it first enabling this feature is probably not the best idea if you have a toddler who likes to play with mom or dad’s phone while it’s locked!

3. INSTALL UPDATES ON YOUR PHONE.

We’ve all been guilty of ignoring notifications asking us to install the latest phone software updates. Delaying it for just one more day can’t hurt, right?

Hold up. If you aren’t installing your phone’s latest updates, you’re leaving yourself exposed to security threats. (Seriously!) Those updates make sure that any bugs or weaknesses found since the last update are squashed.

You can usually install software updates on older versions of smartphones just as easily as on newer versions, so reusing an old phone is a safe, budget-friendly option. But if it’s time to upgrade to a fancy new phone, plan by setting aside money every month so you can buy your phone with cash. The EveryDollar budgeting tool makes it easy to take control of your money so you can reach your money goals— whether that’s a new phone or paying off all your debt!

And don’t forget to update that smartwatch if you have one. It’s an extension of your phone, so take the same precautions.

Here’s how to install software updates on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, then General. 2. Tap Software Update. 3. Tap Download and Install.

4. USE TWO-FACTOR

AUTHENTICATION.

Two-factor authentication has become standard practice on the internet as another layer of phone security. It’s annoying, yes, but if you want to learn how to protect your phone from hackers, we suggest you get familiar with the system.

Here’s how it works: If you (or anyone) try to sign into your account from another device, you’ll need to pass an extra level

Teens

See HACKERS on Page 14

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HACKERS

Continued from Page 13

of security with a six-digit verification code. Once you request the code, it’s sent to one of your trusted devices via a text or a phone call. The device could be your phone itself, a Mac, PC, iPad, or even a security token or dongle (which can be bought separately to sync up with your Apple or Android products).

Why is two-factor authentication so effective? Because if this system is frustrating to you, it’s even more frustrating to a hacker when they try to access your information and must get through two security checks instead of one.

Let’s pause here and talk about biometrics (face and finger ID). Using biometrics is easier than dealing with two-factor authentication. Is it as secure, though? Time will tell, but for now, we recommend using two-factor authentication as your strongest deterrent against hackers and using biometrics as an added layer.

Here’s how to turn on two-factor authentication on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, then General. 2. Tap Software Update. 3. Tap Download and Install.

5. DELETE APPS YOU DON’T USE.

Each app on your phone contains its own batch of potential security issues. And many apps want permission to access your contacts, photos, GPS location and microphone. But app-based attacks are a common way for hackers to break cell-phone security. Here are some ways to avoid these risks: • If you’re no longer using an app, just uninstall it. The fewer apps on your phone, the less open you are to potential attacks. • Whatever you do, don’t click on suspicious or weird files and

links sent to you in an email, text, or app—no matter what they’re promising and how urgent it sounds. When in doubt, just don’t click on it! • Only download apps from your phone’s primary app store. (This one’s crucial. That’s why we italicized it.) Don’t jailbreak your phone. Jailbreaking is when you hack into your own phone to download or use custom software or apps that are not normally available. Just. Don’t. Do.

It. It may be fun to customize your phone this way, but it’s not worth the risk.

Here’s how to remove an app from an iPhone:

1. Touch and hold the app. 2. Tap the minus sign on the app you want to remove. 3. Tap Delete App to confirm.

6. BE CAREFUL ABOUT PUBLIC WI-FI.

We know free internet is tempting when you’re waiting in line at Starbucks. But everyone sitting around you is probably using that same unsecured network. Using public Wi-Fi networks opens your information up to hackers.

Avoid putting your cell-phone security at risk, and just use your phone’s data when you can. Or get a VPN (Virtual Private Network). These hide your IP address so it’s not traceable. And if you’re using your phone as a hot spot, make sure it’s encrypted.

7. DON’T CHARGE IN PUBLIC.

While it’s not always totally realistic (we get it, you need your phone juiced for GPS once you land from a flight), avoid charging your smartphone in public places (like the airport) on a USB port. Many people don’t realize that USB ports are not just giving you an electrical charge. They actually transmit data and can leave you vulnerable to an attack.

8. BACK UP YOUR PHONE.

Whether your phone is lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair, you should take the time to back up your phone’s data. If you don’t want to back up your phone the oldfashioned way by plugging it into a computer, use a cloud storage option (Apple iCloud, Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive).

Here’s how to back up an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings, then [Your

Name]. 2. Tap iCloud. 3. Tap iCloud Backup. 4. Tap Back Up Now.

9. STAY AWARE OF YOUR

PHONE’S LOCATION.

Here’s another cell-phone security tip. Make sure you know where your phone is all the time— an unguarded phone is a hacker’s dream come true. If you’re not sure where your phone is, iPhones offer a Find My iPhone feature (Find My Device for Android). This will help you track it down if you’ve misplaced it or let you remotely wipe your data if it’s been stolen. And if you’re wondering if your identity has been stolen, never fear. There are resources that can help you get your identity back.

Be Smart About Data Security Before It’s Too Late

Okay, you made it through. We know it’s a lot. But even if you act on just some of these tips, your

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No matter how cautious you are, you can’t completely protect your phone from hackers without the help of professionals. That’s why we recommend using a trusted security service like Zander Insurance’s identity theft protection plan.

For less than it costs to get lunch at your favorite sandwich shop, here’s what Zander will do for you: • Monitor your information in real time and alert you of any risks • Provide full-service identity recovery services for you if needed (They’ll clean up the entire mess for you!) • Recover up to $1 million of stolen funds (including legal fees)

Check out Zander’s identity theft protection plan today!

Ramsey Solutions has been committed to helping people regain control of their money, build wealth, grow their leadership skills, and enhance their lives through personal development since 1992. Millions of people have used our financial advice through 22 books (including 12 national bestsellers) published by Ramsey Press, as well as two syndicated radio shows and 10 podcasts, which have over 17 million weekly listeners. ©2022 Lampo Licensing, LLC. All rights reserved. >

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You’ve got a Friend in Me

Are your friendships always seeming to disappoint, frustrate, confuse, or surprise you? Do the people you consider your dearest friends can both make your day wonderful and drive you crazy at the same time?

Human friendships can be a wonderful gift from God, but they are far from perfect in a fallen world. Consider the biblical spectrum described:

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

(Proverbs 17:17)

“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me” (Psalm

41:9)

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV)

“My relatives have failed me; my close friends have forgotten me.”

(Job 19:14)

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend … Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” (Proverbs 27:6, 9)

“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.” (Luke 21:16-17)

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

(John 15:12-13)

Unless we want endless disappointment, we must bring a brokenworld, eternity-focused mentality to all our friendships.

What does eternity have to do with our friendships today? Much more than I think we realize!

In one way or another, we enter our friendships as eternity amnesiacs, forgetting the life that is to come and loading all our hopes and dreams into the here and now. Day after day, we subtly and not so subtly ask our friends to deliver paradise to us.

When we forget eternity, we look to people to give us what only God can provide. This always leads to disappointment, frustration, criticism, and conflict. But because we don’t see our eternity amnesia, we are convinced that our friends are the problem and that they need to change, not us.

We need to remember that God does not intend friendships to be an end in themselves, but a means to an end. Rather than being the container for our happiness, these beautiful yet messy relationships are a workroom for the Redeemer to do what he alone can do: sanctify us so we are progressively prepared for the paradise that is to come.

As you live through the ups and downs of friendship, rest assured: the One who is working on us is protecting us and providing for us at the same time. You can have the security of knowing that in the most challenging moments of worldly friendships, our Guardian Friend is with us and will be with us until our broken relationships are no more.

Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness take it to the Lord in prayer.

Oh, what a friend we have in Jesus!

God bless,

Paul David Tripp

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REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Who are your closest friends? Why are they your friends, and how did they become your friends? 2. How have these friends been a blessing from God? Have you encouraged and thanked them recently? Go ahead and do so, with specificity! 3. Do these same friends frustrate and disappoint you? In what ways? 4. Are you asking imperfect people to be your savior or deliver paradise to you in the here and now? Consider the unrealistic expectations you might be burdening them with. 5. How do you contribute to the conflict in your friendships? What idols and selfish demands cause strain? Do you need to confess and repent to your friend for something you recently said or did? 6. How can you be a better friend this week? Be specific and be a friend of Jesus by doing what he has commanded of you (John 15:14). >

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