How to Keep Your Phone Safe from Hackers, Even If You’re Not a Tech Expert

If you’re like most people, your smartphone is your bank, virtual assistant, social calendar, shopping portal, and photo album. But here’s the catch: In 2025, your smartphone is at the top of the wish list for scammers. The good news? You can keep your digital life safe with just a few smart moves. Below, we break down the latest threats, stats, and how to protect your phone from hackers (hint: it’s easier than you think). 

What is mobile security? 

First, let’s talk about what mobile security means: keeping your personal information – like photos, messages, bank details, and passwords – safe from those who shouldn’t have access, even if your phone is lost or stolen. 

Let’s face it: With 4.69 billion smartphone users worldwide (set to grow to 5.83 billion by 2028), we’re an easy target. 

Scammers are increasingly prioritizing mobile-first attacks and now, mishing (mobile-targeted phishing) is the #1 threat against smartphone users. 

According to Zimperium researchers, attackers are leveraging several mobile-specific channels, such as SMS, email, quishing (QR code phishing), and vishing (voice phishing) to expand the attack surface. 

But even as mobile-first attacks rise, over 50% of mobiles are running outdated OS versions, while 25% aren’t upgradeable due to the device’s age. 

Most alarmingly, mobile malware infections have risen dramatically, with Android devices 50X more likely to be compromised than iOS devices (due to its open-source nature). 

If you’re a smartphone user, you worry about being exposed or having your personal world invaded. You wish mobile security was simpler and effortless, so you can shop, text, and bank with total confidence every day. 

Today, we’re here to tell you that it’s possible. Below are seven (7) ways to enjoy simple, effortless mobile security. Each tip is practical, easy to follow, and supported by insights from the latest research. 

#1 The passwords that keep hackers out (even if they find your phone) 

A strong, unique password for each account is essential, but remembering them all can be overwhelming.  

Almost 70% of your fellow smartphone users are anxious about the number of passwords they must juggle, while 45% worry their passwords aren’t strong enough. 

This is where a Secure by Design password manager like LastPass comes in. 

With LastPass, you get: 

• A built-in password generator to make password creation easy, quick, and stress-free 

• Military-grade AES-256 encryption to protect your most sensitive data, including but not limited to passwords, credit card numbers, SSN numbers, driver’s license, passports, & ecommerce logins 

• Secure autofill, which ensures effortless logins and credentials filled ONLY on legitimate sites 

• 24/7 Dark Web Monitoring to scan the Dark Web for your email addresses and passwords - you get instant alerts if your info is compromised, so you can quickly update passwords before attackers can use them 

#2 Secure your digital life with effortless MFA 

Want to stop scammers in their tracks? Activate FIDO2 phishing resistant MFA, CISA’s gold standard for MFA to protect your ecommerce and banking accounts. 

With MFA bypass attacks increasing, FIDO2 virtual passkeys or hardware security keys like YubiKey provide robust protection that makes it nearly impossible for hackers to access your accounts – even if they manage to steal your login credentials.  

#3 The easiest way to skip malicious apps: Download only from official app stores 

Stick to the Apple Store or Google Play for apps. According to Forbes, apps from unofficial sources are the #1-way malware sneaks into your phone.   

Ahead of WWDC 2025, Apple emphasized the security and anti-fraud benefits of its App Store. In 2024, the tech giant said it blocked $2 billion in fraudulent transactions and nearly 2 million risky app submissions.  

Ultimately, official stores screen for safety, so you avoid hidden threats with zero extra effort.   

But watch this space: In 2025, Apple is being compelled by the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to allow alternative app stores and sideloading of apps on iOS devices. This could lead to increased risks as alternative app stores often lack Apple’s rigorous privacy and security safeguards. In the US, the proposed App Store Freedom Act seeks to compel both Google and Apple in much the same way as the DMA. 

We’ve already seen hackers weaponizing the lack of security controls. The Kaleidoscope malware (reported in May 2025) has infected roughly 2.5 million phones monthly, leading to degraded device performance and privacy risks for users worldwide. 

#4 App updates: The 60-second habit that keeps your phone safe from hackers 

Updating your apps isn’t just about new features; it’s one of the easiest, yet most effective ways to fix security flaws scammers can exploit.  

That said, did you know that almost 60% of your peers haven’t set up their device OS to update automatically? To make mobile security a breeze, set your phone to auto-update, so you don’t even have to think about it. 

#5 The public Wi-Fi trap: Why turning it off is the ultimate safety move 

Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but connecting to unsecured networks can expose everything on your phone – from personal photos to passwords for sensitive accounts. According to a Forbes study: 

• 40% of respondents had their information compromised after using public Wi-Fi. 

• Only 23% believe public Wi-Fi is completely safe. Yet, 56% regularly connect to public Wi-Fi networks that don't require a password. 

• And most alarming of all, 60% don’t use a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi. 

If you’re wondering whether you should use a VPN, know that not all VPNs are created equal: Some mobile or free VPN apps leak data, use weak encryption, or monetize user behavior.  

Unfortunately, no VPN is “secure by default” and the number of VPN-related CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) has skyrocketed by 82.5% in recent years. 

The best (and easiest) thing you can do for mobile security? Avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially for sensitive activities such as banking, shopping, or work-related tasks. 

#6 “Find my Phone” and remote erase turns panic into relief, even if your device is silent, dead, or miles away 

Losing your phone can be stressful, but you can quickly locate your device by using Apple’s Find My network or Google’s Find Hub (formerly Find My Device). 

How to set up Find My on iPhone

1. Open “Settings.” 
2. Tap your name at the top to open Apple ID and iCloud settings. 
3. Select “Find My.” 
4. Tap “Find My iPhone.” 
5. Make sure these options are ON:  

• Find My iPhone: Lets you locate, lock, or erase your device remotely. 

• Find My network: Allows your iPhone to be found even when it’s offline, in power reserve mode, or turned off. 

• Send Last Location: Automatically sends your iPhone’s last known location to Apple when the battery is critically low. 

6. If your iPhone is lost or powered off, use another Apple device to sign in with your Apple ID or go to iCloud.com/find. Select your iPhone from the list of devices. You’ll see its last known location. If it’s nearby, you may be able to play a sound, lock it, or mark it as lost.  

 

When you mark your device as lost, it’s put in Lost Mode, which means your iPhone is locked with a passcode and any payment cards and passes for Apple Pay are suspended.  If your iPhone is in Lost Mode, Activation Lock is also turned on (note that you’ll need to set up “Find My” to mark your phone as lost).  

 

With Activation Lock, your device can’t be erased or reactivated by someone else without your Apple ID and password. If your iPhone is stolen, Activation Lock prevents your device from being repurposed or sold. 

 

How to use Find Hub on Android

1. Find Hub is automatically enabled when you sign into your Android phone with your Google Account. Just make sure Location Services is turned ON. 
2. To find your device, open the Find Hub app on another device or go to the Find Hub webpage. 
3. Make sure you’re signed in to your Google account. 
4. The left side of the screen shows a list of enrolled devices.  
5. Tap on the device you want to locate. 
6. Your device’s last known location will be displayed on a map. You’ll also see the device’s battery life and last seen status. 
7. Click Play Sound to make it easier to locate your device. 
8. If your phone is online, select Secure Device to lock your phone remotely. 
9. Finally, if you believe your phone is unrecoverable, you may decide to click Factory Reset Device. Note that this is a drastic step: a factory reset not only wipes your device completely but prevents you from ever checking your phone’s location again. Essentially, your phone will be lost forever. 

Tip💡: If you have the latest Android 15 version, you can enable Theft Detection Lock. According to Google, "Theft Detection Lock uses AI, your device’s motion sensors, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to detect if someone unexpectedly takes your device and runs away.”  

Essentially, this security feature will automatically lock your phone if your phone’s sensors detect theft-like behavior. 

#7 How to keep the music playing while closing the Bluetooth backdoor

Bluetooth makes it easy to enjoy your favorite playlists, whether you’re home or on the go. If your car supports A2DP Bluetooth audio streaming, you can connect your phone to stream your favorite tunes over the car speakers. This can make a long journey more enjoyable. 

But leaving Bluetooth on all the time can expose you to risks, like strangers connecting to your speakers or accessing your contacts. 

Essentially, forgetting to unpair after using public or shared devices (like rental cars or hotel speakers) can leave your personal info exposed for the next person to find.  

Even sharing Bluetooth speakers at beaches or parties comes with risks. When not connected, your Bluetooth speaker can broadcast its name as an invitation for anyone in range to connect.  

It can also allow others to eavesdrop on your private conversations (especially if your device has a microphone). 

Still, you don’t have to give up your wireless freedom. These five (5) easy habits let you enjoy the convenience of Bluetooth without the added risks: 

• Regularly delete old or unrecognized Bluetooth pairings. 

• When pairing devices, select PIN codes that are difficult to guess. 

• Unpair and erase data after using rental cars or shared devices, so the next user can’t access your synced information. 

• Turn off hotspot broadcasting when not needed or set your Bluetooth visibility to “non-discoverable” to reduce the risk of unwanted connections. 

• Resist connecting to unfamiliar devices in your Bluetooth discovery list and activate the security feature in your device settings to only allow trusted connections. 

To make mobile security even easier, treat yourself to a FREE 30-day trial of LastPass Premium to enjoy award-winning password management, Dark Web Monitoring, and FIDO2 MFA (no credit card or commitment required).  

Don’t wait to experience the security and peace of mind enjoyed by millions around the world. 

FAQs 

What can hackers do with my phone number?

By convincing your mobile carrier to transfer your number to a SIM card they control, scammers can intercept all your calls, texts, password reset codes, and MFA verification codes. 

This allows them to send you phishing messages, reset passwords to your online accounts, and steal your information to commit identity theft. 

Can my phone be hacked by visiting a website?

The answer is yes: Zero-click malware can infect your device without any interaction from you, especially if your browser, mobile OS, and messaging apps are outdated or unpatched. 

This means you don’t need to click a link, tap an attachment, or respond to a message to get your phone hacked. Just receiving a link or attachment is enough to compromise your device. For example, an attacker sends an image file embedded with malicious code after discovering a zero-click vulnerability in your messaging app. 

If the app processes the image to generate a preview, the malicious code will automatically execute on your device, giving the attacker access to your phone. 

Additionally, if your web browser has a zero-click vulnerability, simply visiting a malicious website could allow attackers to run code on your device without your knowledge or consent. Thus, keeping browsers and other software updated is essential to reducing your risks. 

How can I stop someone from accessing my phone remotely?

To stop someone from accessing your phone remotely: 

• Set automatic updates for your mobile OS and apps  

• Use strong passwords and phishing-resistant MFA for all accounts 

• Set a unique, secure SIM PIN for your iPhone or Android to lock your SIM card and prevent SIM swapping 

• Install reputable mobile security apps to detect malware on Android and iPhone devices 

• Enable security features like Lost Mode/Activation Lock for iPhone or Theft Detection Lock/Remote Lock for Android 10 and up