Tips to Keep Your Smartphone as Secure as a Government Official's.

The holiday season brings an increase in scam activities targeting digital shoppers. Google has issued alerts about scams related to celebrities, fake invoice traps, and digital extortion, while also highlighting the efficiency of Gmail's anti-spam filters. However, the government considers these threats to be very serious, including complex cyberattacks and telecom breaches aimed at high-ranking officials and important policies. In response, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has published a series of recommendations to protect smartphones.

Smartphone users, in general, should consider following these security suggestions. CISA emphasizes that it is essential to use services with end-to-end encryption for communication. For iPhone users, iMessage and Google's RCS protocol provide this protection. For those who do not have these options, apps like WhatsApp or Signal are secure alternatives. It is also suggested to enable end-to-end encryption for conversations on Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.

The next line of defense is to enable hardware-based or device-based authentication for identity verification. Google and Apple now support Passkeys, which are linked to their respective Gmail and Apple ID accounts. If this seems complicated, it is recommended to use programs like Google’s Advanced Protection and solutions like Apple’s Private Relay. CISA also advises against using SMS for multi-factor authentication, as they are vulnerable, and to opt for authentication apps like Authy or those provided by Google and Microsoft.

If it is not possible to use an authentication app, it is suggested to employ a password manager to avoid having multiple difficult-to-remember passwords. Options like Google Password Manager and Apple's recent password app are highly recommended. There are also a variety of third-party options, such as LastPass and 1Password. It is crucial to use strong passwords that combine letters, numbers, and symbols, rather than simple and easily guessed combinations.

Furthermore, it is advisable to set strong passwords for SIM card accounts, especially in regions where cellular operators are predominant. If privacy is a concern, it is recommended to use a VPN for browsing, preferably opting for a paid option rather than free ones, as the latter often involve hidden costs to privacy.

To enhance security, it is important to start with the smartphone's settings. For example, iPhone users can disable SMS messaging when data access is not available. Users should review the settings for applications that have access to the device's information and remove them if necessary. In case of suspected malicious activity, it is recommended to activate Lockdown Mode and contact the appropriate authorities. Google also provides a security check dashboard for all connected devices, which can assist in detecting security alerts.

While there is no way to fully guarantee online or mobile device security, following these recommendations can significantly reduce risks.