How to Protect Your Devices From Hackers

Unauthorized device access surged 78 percent in 2025, overtaking social engineering scams as the primary identity theft vector for adults aged 35 to 64 according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Hackers no longer need to trick you with a phishing email — they can exploit unpatched software, weak passwords, and public Wi-Fi to take control of your phone, laptop, or tablet remotely. Here is how to lock down every device you own.

Why Device Security Matters More Than Ever

Your devices are the keys to your entire digital life. A compromised phone or laptop gives an attacker access to:

• Banking and financial apps with saved login credentials
• Email accounts that serve as the recovery method for every other account
• Two-factor authentication codes and authenticator apps
• Personal photos, messages, and documents
• Saved passwords in your browser or password manager
• Location data, camera, and microphone

The ITRC's 2026 Trends in Identity Report found that 25.6 percent of identity theft victims now deal with two or more concurrent incidents — meaning a single device compromise often cascades into multiple forms of fraud.

Secure Your Smartphone

Your phone is your most vulnerable device because it goes everywhere with you and is always connected:

1. Keep your operating system updated: Install iOS and Android updates as soon as they are available. These updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit
2. Only install apps from official stores: Download apps exclusively from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Avoid sideloading apps from unknown sources
3. Review app permissions: Go through your installed apps and revoke permissions they do not need. A flashlight app does not need access to your contacts, microphone, or location
4. Use biometric locks: Enable Face ID or fingerprint authentication. Set your phone to lock automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity
5. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use: Open Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections can be exploited for proximity-based attacks
6. Enable Find My Device: Activate Apple Find My or Google Find My Device so you can remotely lock or wipe your phone if it is lost or stolen

Secure Your Laptop and Desktop

1. Enable automatic updates: Turn on automatic updates for your operating system, browser, and all installed software. Unpatched software is the number one entry point for hackers
2. Use a firewall: Both Windows and macOS have built-in firewalls. Make sure they are enabled in your system settings
3. Install reputable security software: Use a trusted antivirus and anti-malware solution. Windows Defender provides solid baseline protection on Windows. macOS users should consider third-party options for additional scanning
4. Encrypt your hard drive: Enable BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on macOS to encrypt your entire drive. If your laptop is stolen, encryption prevents the thief from accessing your files
5. Disable remote desktop if not needed: Remote Desktop Protocol on Windows is a common attack vector. Disable it unless you specifically need it
6. Use a standard user account: Do not use an administrator account for daily tasks. Create a standard user account for everyday use and only switch to admin when you need to install software

Secure Your Tablet and Other Devices

Tablets, e-readers, and smart home hubs are often overlooked but carry the same risks:

• Apply the same update and permission practices as your phone
• Set a strong passcode — many people leave tablets unlocked because they are "shared family devices"
• Sign out of sensitive accounts when not in use, especially on shared devices
• Review and remove apps you no longer use. Old apps with outdated permissions are a security liability

Universal Security Practices for All Devices

Password Hygiene

• Use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords for every account
• Never reuse passwords across multiple sites or services
• Enable two-factor authentication on every account that supports it, using an authenticator app rather than SMS

Recognize Threats

• Phishing: Do not click links in unexpected emails, texts, or messages. Verify the sender through a separate channel before acting
• Malicious downloads: Be cautious of email attachments, especially PDFs, Office documents, and zip files from unknown senders
• Fake updates: Never install software updates from pop-up notifications or website banners. Always update through your device's official settings
• USB attacks: Do not plug unknown USB drives into your computer. Avoid using public charging stations without a data-blocking USB adapter

Backup Strategy

Maintain regular backups of your important data using the 3-2-1 rule: three copies of your data, on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite or in the cloud. This protects you from ransomware and hardware failure alike.

Signs Your Device May Already Be Compromised

Watch for these warning signs that a device may have been hacked:

• Unusual battery drain or the device running hot when idle
• Unexplained data usage spikes
• Apps you did not install appearing on your device
• Your device's camera or microphone indicator light turning on unexpectedly
• Accounts being logged out or passwords being changed without your action
• Contacts reporting strange messages sent from your accounts

If you notice these signs, take immediate action — disconnect from the internet, run a full security scan, change your passwords from a different device, and consider a factory reset if the compromise is severe.