How can you protect yourself from invisible threats?
When I was in the third grade, my teacher gave us an assignment to write about the biggest way that life would be different when we’re thirty years old. I wrote that everyone will have access to a device that allows him or her to communicate with anyone, anywhere—like the Star Trek communicator. When I read my paper to the class, everyone laughed. My teacher said I had missed the meaning of the assignment, that I should have written about a way the world really might change instead of imagining something that could only exist in science fiction.
Before I turned thirty years old, cell phones became accessible and common. At first, they were innocent devices that simply made communication easier, but now they’ve become more advanced and represent an invisible threat.
We’re all aware of computer viruses and how they can threaten our identity. But do you also know about SMS malware?
Invisible SMS malware enters your phone through a text. Once you open a message from a malicious sender, a corrupt file can have numerous negative consequences.
- Access: Allows a criminal to take control of your private accounts and services. One (s)he gains has a portal into your phone, (s)he can deny you entry into email or other services.
- Misuse: Allows a criminal to use your mobile device for devious, unauthorized purposes.
- Exposure: Allows a criminal to disclose your private data to others like him or her.
- Deletion: Allows a criminal to delete data and services on your device.
- Modification: Allows a criminal to change your data and services in undesirable ways.
- Surveillance: Allows the criminal to turn your microphone and listen to everything you and others around you say.
Most people inadvertently invite
spyware and malware into their phones
by opening texts to delete them,
but this isn’t necessary.
In an android phone, you can eliminate a text without opening it.
- Open your message app.
- Locate the text from an unknown source, then touch and hold it until a trash can appears on your screen.
- Tap the trash can to delete the message, then touch delete when a confirmation prompt appears.
IPhone users need to follow a different process.
- Open your message app, and locate the undesired message.
- In the preview window on the left side, swipe across the message. A red delete button will pop up.
- Touch the delete button.
Many years ago, others laughed when I stated how the world would change. But now, since that technology now exists, no one shouldn’t jest about criminals who hurt us with invisible threats.
It’s easy to protect yourself!
Some great advice from Shel Silverstein.
What is the reason behind this post?
Can you prevent identity theft?
Something to think about…
