In the world of digital technologies, the smartphone has become not only a tool for communication, but also a kind of storage for private information. Its memory stores dozens, and sometimes hundreds of messages containing personal data, passwords, bank information. What seems like a mundane thing can turn into a serious danger if such information falls into the hands of an attacker. That is why it is worth knowing about which SMS we keep, and getting rid of those that carry a potential threat in time. IA “FAKT” turned to experts of the Kharkiv cyber police for comments and advice on this matter.
Dangerous SMS messages in the phone
“At first glance, SMS messages look like an innocent channel of communication. However, in reality, they remain one of the main ways of transmitting confidential data. Verification codes, messages from banks, correspondence with courier services – all this is stored in the form of texts, which can become a vulnerable point in your digital security. The problem is aggravated by the fact that most users do not pay enough attention to cleaning incoming messages. The large amount of memory of modern devices allows you to accumulate this data, and often people do not even suspect that they are storing potentially dangerous information.
Why is it risky? Imagine the situation: your smartphone was stolen, or you became the victim of an attacker who remotely accessed the data on your device. What will this person find in your phone? Access to bank accounts? Personal addresses? Dates of birth, logins, passwords? That’s why digital content needs to be treated as seriously as physical assets.” – emphasized the cyber police.
According to experts, messages with logins, passwords and confirmation codes should be the first on the list to be deleted. Often we store such data, thinking that it is convenient – because it is easier to quickly find the necessary information. However, this is a mistake. The leakage of such information is one of the most common ways for fraudulent activities. It is safest to use special programs for saving passwords that provide a high level of encryption.
Another category is messages containing personal data. These can include shipping addresses, contact details, and even trivia like date of birth, which scammers can use to build a complete profile of the victim. The more information an attacker has about you, the easier it is for them to carry out a phishing attack or other fraudulent activity.
Special attention should be paid to bank messages. Even if it is a simple transaction confirmation or a one-time code, it is better not to save such SMS. This is an unnecessary risk. Even an encrypted message can be deciphered by an attacker if the device falls into his hands.
Finally, spam and suspicious messages are not only a nuisance, but also a potential threat. They may contain malicious links that, when clicked, activate data-stealing software. This is especially true if your smartphone is sometimes used by other people, for example, children.
What should be done to avoid risks
Cyber police experts have provided advice on what to do to avoid risks.
The first is to establish a clear rule: no storage of confidential SMS. Learn how to delete messages immediately after you no longer need their content.
Second, use password managers. This is the most effective way to keep confidential information safe. If you do not trust such programs, write down important data on paper and keep it in a safe place at home.
Third, activate two-factor authentication. This will be an additional layer of protection in case the data does fall into the wrong hands.
Fourth, install antivirus programs to help identify and block suspicious activity.
Fifth, constantly update the software of your device. Fresh updates often contain fixes for vulnerabilities that attackers can use for attacks.
And most importantly, think several steps ahead. Imagine your phone is hacked. What information can be obtained about you? If the answer scares you, this is a signal to take immediate action.
“Remember, your safety is in your hands. Learn to pay attention to details and leave no chance to scammers. Clean your smartphones of unnecessary messages, install reliable protection and always remember: the best way to avoid risks is to be careful and predictable.” – summed up the experts.
