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Health & Fitness

National Consumer Protection Week: Protecting Your Computer & Smartphone from Hackers

Better Business Bureau urges consumers to be aware that smartphones, in addition to computers, are vulnerable to the same hackers, spammers and malware.

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From phishing email to unsecured websites to smishing texts, technology can be a minefield for hackers and scammers.  In celebration of National Consumer Protection Week (March 3 – 9), your Better Business Bureau urges consumers to be aware that smartphones, in addition to computers, are vulnerable to the same hackers, spammers and malware.

BBB has these tips for protecting your personal devices: 

Computers: 

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  • Update your software. Your computer should have the latest anti-virus software installed, along with a secure firewall.
  • Shop on trustworthy websites. Check a seller's reputation and record of customer satisfaction at bbb.org. Look for the “s” in https:// in the address box to ensure you’re shopping on a secure website.
  • Beware of phishing. Avoid clicking on links from emails sent from anyone you do not know, or if they appear suspicious.
  • Set strict privacy settings. Consider restricting access of social network profiles to only friends or family, or people you know. Avoid connecting with anyone on social networking sites with whom you are unfamiliar.
  • Set strong passwords. Make sure all passwords, most importantly your passwords for online banking, social media accounts and emails are difficult to guess.

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    Smartphones:

  • Lock your phone. Add a security code to your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data. Then set your device to lock automatically when not in use for a specified time.
  • Update your operating system. Regularly updating your phone closes security loopholes and other back doors in which hackers can use to access your phone without your knowledge.
  • Beware of unknown apps and links. Do not download any apps or click on links in your email or social media pages without first researching the source. They may contain viruses, malware or spyware that can compromise your personal data.
  • Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter passwords or access any personal data.
  • Check your permissions. Check all of your apps to see what data they are accessing and revoke permissions for information those apps don’t need to properly operate.
  • Delete “smishing” texts. Like “phishing,” “smishing” schemers often pose as banks or lottery sweepstakes asking customers to contact them immediately about a pressing issue that needs to be discussed. Do not reply and erase the message immediately.
  • Erase old phones completely. If you’re selling, donating or recycling your old phone, ensure all your data is completely erased and the phone is returned to factory settings before letting it out of your possession.

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    For more consumer tips visit BBB's News Center and like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the latest facebook.com/westfloridabbb. For information on scams, visit BBB Scam Stopper at bbb.org/scam.

    About BBB:

    BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews® and BBB Wise Giving Reports®, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is a difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 114 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities.

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