Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, adds a second layer of security to your Android account in case your password gets stolen. With 2FA, once you enter your password, a second message is sent to another device asking to verify that you are trying to login.
It is possible for someone to see what you do on your phone through data, depending on the specific circumstances. For example, if you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network, your internet activity may be visible to others on the same network.
You can unlock your Android phone even if you've forgotten the passcode, but you'll usually need to factory reset the phone. You can unlock most Android phones by performing a factory recovery or using the Find My Device website.
Android and iOS have built-in protection to keep you safe, but neither offer complete protection. A good mobile antivirus, however, can fill the gaps left by Google and Apple, and allow you to really enjoy your mobile device without a care.
Look out for things like your phone getting hot when you're not using it, your battery running out faster than usual or your data usage being unexpectedly high. These could all be signs that a spy app is constantly running in the background recording you or taking photos.
If you want to stop phone tracking, you can change your phone settings, switch to a private browser, configure your app permissions more carefully, or use a VPN.
Android. It's possible to find spy software on an Android by looking inside the files on the phone. Go to Settings – Applications – Manage Applications or Running Services, and you may be able to spot suspicious looking files.
If your phone is warm or even hot to the touch, this could be a sign that it's been hacked. You're seeing new apps on your phone. Be especially aware of unrecognized or suspicious apps on your homescreen. Some malicious apps will install new apps, with the hacker hoping that you don't care or notice.
If you're looking for well-known brands, the Apple iPhone and Google Pixel are two of the most secure smartphones available. Otherwise, look for the Blackphone PRIVY or Sirin Labs Finney U1 for advanced cybersecurity and privacy features like a cold-storage cryptocurrency wallet.
It is important to remember that privacy settings are not a silver bullet for privacy protection, but they can and should help you increase the control you have over how your personal information is handled online, such as what information an organization collects and who can see what you post.
If you want to protect your privacy, are you better off with an iPhone or an Android? The truth is, the average iPhone offers far more privacy than the average Android smartphone. If you're a casual user who has no interest in installing specialized software but still want to keep your privacy, stick with Apple.
Samsung handles customers' personal information transparently and provides privacy protection functions with advanced security technology so that customers can use products and services with confidence.
However, if someone is spying on your phone, there are common signs you can look out for. You may notice a rapid increase in your phone's data usage, suspicious files or applications, or strange text messages that you don't remember sending. Your device may also show signs of malfunctioning behavior.
Can a phone be tracked if it's turned off? A phone that is turned off is difficult to track because it stops sending signals to cell towers. However, the service provider or internet provider can show the last location once it's switched back on.
However, that does not mean your iPhone, or Android phone camera is not spying on you. No device is completely immune to security risks, and it is still important for users to be cautious and alert. There's a chance someone could be spying on you through your smartphone camera.
Cybercriminals can access these cameras, and because of their positions — facing your living room, kitchen, or office — they can expose your privacy and sensitive conversations. That's why it's a good idea to cover up your webcam or take other steps to improve your internet security.
Qualcomm announced the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor for flagship Android phones, and we were all excited about it. However, there's a detail tucked in the announcement that has us concerned---the processor will let a phone's camera be on at all times.
Open your phone's Settings app. Tap Security. At the top, you'll see the security status of your device and Google Account. If there are important actions to take to secure your device or accounts, a warning message will appear.
Go into Settings > security or Lock screen and security > Advanced > Trust agents and make sure that Smart Lock is turned on. Under settings, search for Smart Lock. Tap Smart Lock and enter your password, unlock pattern, PIN code, or your fingerprint.