Monday Magic - Cell Phone Security Tips

Good morning! Today I wanted to share some cell phone information.

Darling Hubby and I are in the market for new cell phones. We're iconoclasts who hang on to expensive tech as long as possible.

It's obvious my battery is going on my iPhone so I was cruising YouTube and looking at phone information.

I found a video about Apple's trillion dollar payouts to China and how the workers who make most of the cell phones on the market earn about 50¢ an hour for 12 hour days. That payment has increased a pittance but it still is way below what it should be. Workers should get a living wage not a pittance.

My research includes looking at smartphones in general: where are they made, how secure is the data on them, how likely are they to be hacked, etc. My concern is that private data is increasingly difficult to keep private. Apparently, everything about millions of us is now available on the dark web.

HAS YOUR PHONE BEEN HACKED

Your smartphone can be hacked. Someone can even watch you through the camera in your phone—yes, that is possible, especially with an Android phone.

If your phone is acting funky, check to see if it has been tapped.

Simply dial *#21# and that will check to see if your phone is being monitored or if your calls and messages are being forwarded.

If you find data on your phone is being forwarded, dail *#62# and that will show where your calls are being forwarded.

SIGNS YOUR PHONE IS COMPROMISED

If you think someone is watching you through your phone—look for these signs:

1. suspicious background app activity

2. odd camera behavior

3. strange camera light behavior

4. unexpected screen behavior

5. phones, videos, or audio files on your phone that you did not make

6. higher data usage

7. your location is being accessed

8. poor video call performance

9. strange sounds when your making or receiving a phone call

You can also scan your phone using Certo, a spyware detection tool for iPhone and Android.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PHONE IS COMPROMISED

Immediately delete any suspicious apps. Use a tool like Certo or something similar. Run a Google search for anti-spyware for smartphones to find one you like.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

 I'm still gathering information. I found 1 company in the United States that makes smartphones designed to keep user data secure—the Purism Librem 5, with a Linux OS.I'll keep you posted about what we choose.

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