How can I improve the security of my Android smartphone?

[sadik]

Recently my friend's phone got hacked and all the money in his bank account is gone and we don't know about other his personal data and information and the for hack is still unknown he can't remember if he had clicked on any link or something. Now I'm worried about mine phone.

 

[B. Diddy]

Review these:

[GUIDE] How To Avoid Malware

Let's face it, malware is a fact of life. As long as there are personal mobile devices, there will be worthless shambling piles of meat that will try their best to exploit them for unscrupulous financial gain or worse. But contrary to what all of those urgent and breathless articles about the...

forums.androidcentral.com

“I’ve been hacked”

Smartphones have brought out various kinds of neurotic and paranoid reactions from users. The technology is difficult to understand, and it is easy for us to allow ourselves to suspect that bad things are happening, when in fact they’re not. Android Central regularly receives posts from guests...

forums.androidcentral.com

 

[methodman89]

Contact any of the 3 credit reporting agencies ie Equifax, and freeze the credit file. Only takes a minute.

 

[mustang7757]

Here's another guide

If you suspect your cell phone has been hacked, it's important to act quickly to minimize the damage and regain control. Here are the best steps to take:

1. Disconnect from the Internet

* Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data immediately. Hackers often rely on internet connectivity to access your phone remotely or transmit data.
* If possible, switch to airplane mode to stop all connections temporarily.

2. Change All Passwords

* Use another secure device (like a laptop or a different phone) to log into important accounts such as email, banking apps, and social media.
* Change all of your passwords to strong, unique ones that include a mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
* Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts where it’s available for added security.

3. Run a Malware Scan

* Use a reputable mobile security app to scan your phone for malware or suspicious apps. These tools can help detect if any unauthorized apps or services are running in the background.
* Uninstall any suspicious or unfamiliar apps that might have been installed without your knowledge.

4. Factory Reset Your Phone

* If the malware cannot be removed or if the problem persists, perform a factory reset on your phone. This will erase all data and apps, returning the phone to its original state.
* Before resetting, back up your essential data to a secure location (like an external drive or cloud service) but avoid restoring any files that might be infected.

5. Check for Unusual Activity

* Look for any suspicious activity in your accounts, such as unauthorized transactions, emails sent from your account, or unfamiliar device logins.
* Review your phone bill for any strange charges, which might indicate the hacker has subscribed to premium services or made unauthorized calls.

6. Notify Your Contacts

* Let your contacts know that your phone may have been compromised. This prevents hackers from using your phone to target others by sending fraudulent messages.

7. Update Your Operating System and Apps

* Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date. Often, hackers exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
* Also, update all your apps, especially those that handle sensitive information.

8. Alert Your Phone Carrier

* Contact your mobile carrier to report the breach. They can help you secure your SIM card, lock your phone, and prevent unauthorized access.
* Some carriers also offer additional services, like enhanced protection or monitoring.

9. Monitor Your Financial Accounts

* Keep a close watch on your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity, especially if you've used your phone for financial transactions.

10. Be Wary of Phishing Attempts

* Even after taking these steps, remain cautious of phishing attempts and scam messages that try to lure you into sharing personal details or downloading malicious files

Prevention Tips for the Future:

* Regularly update passwords and enable 2FA where possible.
* Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, and be careful with app permissions.
* Use a VPN for added privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
* Regularly back up your data and set up a reliable security solution to scan for threats.

By following these steps, you can mitigate the damage caused by a phone hack and protect your personal information. Outside of these steps though, no one one here can personally help you. if you feel as though you've exhausted all your options, you should contact your local authorities.