Neither smartphones nor laptops are inherently more secure; their safety depends on usage, but smartphones often benefit from stricter app sandboxing and biometric security, while laptops offer more user control, making both vulnerable to different threats like phishing, malware, and unpatched OS, with mobility increasing physical risk for phones. Smartphones excel with app store vetting and permission controls, while laptops can be more open, but both are prime targets for hackers.
In red-team labs the outdated Galaxy A14 has become the unofficial trophy for most hacked phone thanks to readily available exploits.
Can one of these devices better protect you from fraud than the other? According to some data-protection experts, banking with a smartphone via an official mobile app provides more security than a computer. That's because computers make it easier for users to inadvertently download malware.
While iPhones are known for their security, they're not impregnable. If you've ever wondered if your iPhone can get hacked, the answer is yes, it can.
Best phones for security and privacy
On an iPhone, dialing *#21# is a USSD code used to check the status of your unconditional call forwarding, revealing if your calls, SMS, or data are being redirected and to which number, without actually changing settings; it's a simple privacy check to see if someone has secretly set your phone to forward everything, though it doesn't detect advanced spyware. Dialing this code brings up a message from your carrier about your call forwarding status, often showing "Disabled" or a specific number if it's active.
One of the most prevalent mobile security myths is that mobile devices are inherently more secure than traditional endpoints like desktops and laptops. But this is a dangerous misconception — mobile devices simply have a different set of vulnerabilities that leave them open to a variety of cybersecurity risks.
Is it safe to use hotel Wi-Fi for banking? No, it's not safe to connect to hotel Wi-Fi for banking. These networks may be unsecured or lack the necessary encryption to protect your financial information. If you do need to access your bank account, connect to a VPN first.
Mobile banking is secure when you use official apps and follow best practices. Major banks invest billions in cybersecurity, but user habits still matter. With the right steps — like multi-factor authentication and strong passwords — mobile banking can be safer than visiting a branch.
The Librem 5 has been ranked as the number one most secure phone by cybersecurity experts. The phone features three hardware kill switches that cut power to the camera and microphone, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modem, and the baseband modem.
Use a Strong Passcode or Biometric Authentication
Set up a strong passcode (at least eight digits) or enable biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to prevent unauthorized access.
iOS has built its reputation as the more secure mobile platform through Apple's "walled garden" approach - and honestly, it works. The platform is famous for its closed ecosystem, Apple's pretty obsessive app review process, and consistent security implementation across all devices.
iOS operating system security. Apple's iOS is known for its tight security since Apple doesn't share its source code with developers or allow users to easily modify their device code. That can make it more difficult for hackers to find vulnerabilities in iOS devices.
Here are a few indications you've been hacked:
There's no specific code that can tell you if your phone is tapped. However, USSD codes like *#21# can show whether call forwarding is enabled. And if you find that call forwarding has been enabled, then you can use ##002# to disable it.
Hackers or fraudsters can exploit public wifi to intercept sensitive data, such as passwords or banking information. Therefore, it is best to avoid using public wifi networks when accessing banking services or conducting financial transactions, such as mobile banking, internet banking, or other online transactions.
When you use Wi-Fi and mobile data at the same time on Android with Speedify, you get 3 things at once: a stable connection, fast internet and secure online privacy.
Be Mindful and Alert When Using Public WiFi in Hotels
By now, you should not doubt that the answer to “Can hotels see what you are browsing?” is yes. Unless you use a VPN, what you do online is visible. A VPN also protects you from the most common threats from public networks.
Smartphones and tablets have less storage capacity than a computer, and their components cannot be modified like a desktop computer's can. Desktop and laptop computers can run more powerful software than a smartphone or tablet due to their size, components, and less restrictive power requirements.
Gen Z is buying dumb phones to combat digital addiction, improve mental health, and regain focus by reducing constant notifications and social media comparison, allowing for more present, intentional tech use with simpler devices that offer calls/texts without the overwhelming features of smartphones, leading to better sleep, productivity, and less anxiety, says www.abc.net.au. This trend is a conscious move towards digital wellness, prioritizing real-world connections and reducing "compare and despair" cycles from curated online lives, The Guardian.
Brightness and Blue Light
Both laptops and smartphones emit blue light, which can contribute to eye fatigue. However, smartphones are often held closer to the eyes, intensifying blue light exposure. This makes it essential to use blue light filters on both devices, especially during nighttime.
Number to dial to see if your iPhone is tapped
Dial *#21# to check if a third party intercepts your calls, messages, or other data. This code will tell you if services like voice, data, fax, SMS, and others are being forwarded to another number.