Update and check. 6 habits that will help protect your smartphone on the Internet

1. Updating the system is like going to the dentist. Do it right away

Constant notifications about the release of a new version of the software can be annoying, but if you do not do it on time, it will only hurt. Together with additional features and improvements, protection against current network dangers is added to the latest application firmware. Ignoring them can make the smartphone vulnerable and subsequently lead to big problems. In order not to miss anything, you can entrust the task of updating the device itself: go to the settings and allow automatic download of fresh versions when connected to the Network.

If you are not a supporter of trusting important tasks to the machine, remember the main rule: you only need to install updates that are sent by the device or the app store. Notifications about the latest firmware in the form of a pop-up message in the browser are the tricks of scammers. Installation files from forums or public sites can also be dangerous: at least the version will be unstable, at the maximum, malware, codes, and viruses will be hidden inside.

2. Download applications only from official stores

The classic bequeathed that fish is only the first freshness. We remind you that the source of applications can only be official. This eliminates the possibility of downloading malware. Before getting into the catalog of the app store, the programs are moderated - dangerous ones immediately fly into the ban. Alternative sources do not guarantee the purity of the installation files, so it is better to bypass them.

As a last resort, when the necessary program is not available in official stores, but it is critically needed, look for apk files on the manufacturer's website, for example, a banking application on the bank page. Make sure the download page is real. There are enough duplicate sites on the Internet now: downloading files from similar sites can be critically dangerous both for a smartphone and for personal data.

3. Check links, even if mom sent them

An invitation to vote in a contest, take part in a giveaway, view a dream job - a malicious link can be hidden in these messages. It does not matter where it was received: in a messenger, SMS or email.

You need to be especially careful with unusual-looking links: consisting only of numbers, including commands redirects using special characters instead of letters or obtained from resources that shorten URLs, for example bitly. The latter are often used by real brands, for example, for publications in social networks. But in private messages, such addresses are dangerous: the user does not see the name of the resource to which they are offered to go, so anything can be hidden inside. Special sites for checking them will help dispel doubts: in them you can restore the original appearance of the link and see where it leads.

Another option that scammers love is hyperlinks. Addresses are embedded in plain text, such as "click here", "here" or "go to website".

If the message came from unknown contacts, do not open files or follow links. If from friends, colleagues or relatives - first make sure that the person has not been hacked and this is not spam. Try asking clarifying questions, or better, contact the contact immediately in an alternative way, for example, through another messenger or by phone. If a scammer writes on behalf of a friend, a quick reaction will help save other contacts of your friend or colleague from making mistakes.

4. Be aware that Wi-Fi in a cafe or park can be dangerous

Through fake Wi-Fi, scammers often lure out data. They can extract bank card details, logins, passwords and other important information from traffic. At the same time, it can be difficult even for a gadget to identify a fake network: cybercriminals can create a Wi-Fi copy of the same name from your favorite cafe or shopping center. In this case, the smartphone will not notice the difference.

To reduce risk, do not allow your device to automatically connect to public networks. Even to acquaintances. Also, try to choose Wi-Fi with authorization, for example, through a password or mobile number. And if possible, do not perform important actions through public networks: do not buy in online stores and do not go to bank applications.

5. Make sure there isn't an evil doppelgänger hiding under a familiar site

The Internet is full of sites that duplicate popular pages and services. Fraudsters create such to collect personal data, including bank cards. The scheme is simple: in order to “transmit” information about yourself, you just need to fill out any form on such a page, for example, subscribe to a newsletter.

You can get to phishing sites in many ways, including by clicking on a link from a post on a social network or by accidentally entering a familiar name with a typo. If the criminals perfectly copied the layout of the original portal, it will be difficult to notice the substitution right off the bat. To avoid such scenarios will allow careful study of the address bar.

1. Compare each letter and sign. Often attackers change literally one character.
2. Check the domain. If net appears at the end instead of the usual ru, close it.
3. Look for the "lock" on the left side of the line. It must be closed - this means that the connection is secure, the data is encrypted and cannot be intercepted.
4. Use an antivirus program. Most of them identify suspicious sites on their own. No need to spell the name in the address bar.
5. Use an anonymous mailing address. It can be left when registering on various siteswhen you don't want to specify the real one. Letters on it will come to your mailbox, but the sender will not recognize the main mail.

Additionally, it is worth evaluating the design. Errors, atypical graphics, low quality images are signs of a phishing site.

6. Don't trust apps too much

If, when connecting, the application requests access to smartphone resources, do not rush to click on the "OK" button. An audiobook library that needs access to the camera, or a flashlight that wants to get into contacts should alert you. There is a risk that this is how scammers want to get personal data.

Carefully read requests from pop-up windows and boldly refuse programs in strange and atypical requests.