Main points
- Cybersecurity experts warn against storing personal data, such as passport details, bank details, and photos of documents, on your smartphone, as they can be used by attackers.
- It is recommended to use reliable device protection, install applications only from official sources, check application permissions, and practice digital hygiene to reduce the risk of fraud.
Ukrainians are advised to urgently clean their smartphones of sensitive information / DepositPhotos/ AndreyPopov
Storing personal and financial information on your smartphone is not a good idea, as cybersecurity experts have repeatedly warned that such sensitive data can be easy prey for scammers. If the device is lost or hacked, it threatens to steal funds and use personal data in criminal schemes.
Our phones often contain much more confidential information than we realize. Photos of our own documents, screenshots of passwords or cards, and a number of other sensitive data – all of this can be dangerous for us, warns 24 Kanal .
Which files on your smartphone pose the greatest risk?
If attackers gain access to your device, they can use it for fraud, credit card fraud, or phishing. Here's what you should remove from your smartphone immediately.
What data should not be exchanged in messages?
First of all, you should review SMS and instant messaging messages. You should not just leave messages in your memory that may contain important information, addresses, document numbers, passwords, or other sensitive data.
If you've ever sent documents to your family in private messages on social networks or instant messengers, know that this is a very bad idea. Even when there is such a need, you should use file sharing services, having previously protected copies of documents with a password-protected archive.
Also dangerous is the exchange of bank card details, PIN codes, CVV or CVC codes , answers to security questions, and one-time passwords from banks or payment services.
Check your saved photos
Particular attention should be paid to the gallery. Photos of documents, including passports, ID cards or driver's licenses , can be used to forge an identity. Screenshots of bank messages, correspondence with support services, as well as pictures of confirmation codes, receipts and checks also carry a risk.
Notes are convenient, but not reliable
Another weak spot is notes, draft emails, or messages that users keep “for themselves.” Such files often contain passwords, card numbers, or other personal data. Experts advise checking these sections regularly and deleting unnecessary ones.
Where else could sensitive information be left?
After cleaning your phone, it's important to check your recycle bin and cloud services. Deleted files may still be in your Google Drive or iCloud backups, so you should check those as well.
How to protect your smartphone?
As Android writes, it is important to protect the device itself from third-party access – set up a strong password, PIN, or biometric lock so that an outsider cannot easily unlock the phone and access the data inside.
The Android operating system has built-in security features that allow the use of PINs, passwords, or biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition), which makes it much more difficult for attackers to gain access, even if they physically take possession of the device.
Experts also advise to be careful with applications – install them only from official stores and check the permissions they request in the system. Unknown or unofficial applications can hide malicious code that accesses smartphone data.
Additionally, as Verizon advises, you should use basic security practices:
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lock the device every time it is used,
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do not leave the phone unattended,
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exit important services after financial transactions,
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Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not needed – this reduces the chances of unauthorized connections or attacks from the outside.
Remember! Regular digital hygiene significantly reduces the risk of becoming a victim of fraud. You should take care of your own safety in advance, before you are forced to do so.