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NTISB Issues Advisory to Safeguard Mobile Phones from Hacking Threats

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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NTISB Issues Advisory to Avoid Smartphone Hacking <br> Image Credit: ProPakistani

Understanding the Vulnerabilities

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The National Telecommunication and Information Security Board (NTISB) has recently released an advisory emphasizing the importance of practicing safe mobile phone usage to protect against hacking threats. According to the advisory, mobile phones have become the preferred targets of attackers due to their vulnerabilities, which can be exploited through various means of communication such as SMS, MMS, Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth, and GSM.

The Exploitation of Smartphone Weaknesses and Software Vulnerabilities

Hackers take advantage of the weaknesses present in smartphones, including software vulnerabilities found in web browsers and operating systems. Malicious software specifically targets the average users' lack of awareness, capitalizing on their limited knowledge. The advisory warns that using mobile phones exposes users to various threats that can disrupt normal operations, compromise user data, and even modify it. To ensure mobile phone security, it is essential for installed applications to guarantee the privacy and integrity of the information they handle. Additionally, it's crucial to limit the functionality and activities of apps, as some of them could potentially be malware in disguise.

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(Read Also: Pakistan’s Data Center Market Lags Behind Regional Peers, Urgent Need for Investment and Incentives.)

Protecting Data, Identity, and Availability

The NTISB advisory highlights the three primary targets of mobile phone hackers: data, identity, and availability. Mobile devices often contain sensitive information like credit card numbers, authentication details, private data, and activity logs, such as calendar and call logs. With smartphones becoming increasingly customizable, attackers can gain access to users' identity details, enabling them to commit further criminal offenses. By compromising a mobile phone, hackers can also limit the owner's access to essential services, causing significant disruptions.

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(Read Also: Pakistan’s Cabinet Division Warns Against Potential Hacking Attempt by Dark Pink Group)

To avoid falling victim to hacking, the advisory suggests being vigilant for signs of a compromised mobile phone. These signs may include excessive data usage by specific apps, communication with suspicious command and control servers, overheating of the device, rapid battery draining, blocking of social media apps and login inaccessibility, sudden loss of networks and data, as well as calls or messages being delivered without the user's interaction.

To enhance mobile phone security, the NTISB advises users to refrain from visiting sites that require Personal Identifiable Information (PII) while connected to public or insecure wireless hotspots and Wi-Fi networks. Additionally, it is crucial to secure the router by consulting the user guide, configuring the Wi-Fi network to use WPA2-PSK with AES encryption, maintaining a complex Wi-Fi password of at least 15 characters, and implementing MAC address filtering.

(Read Also: Supreme Court of Pakistan Website Hacked: Cyber Attackers Display “Our Spring Sale Has Started” Popup)

By following these guidelines, users can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to hacking attempts and protect their mobile phones and personal information from unauthorized access.

Pakistan Cybersecurity NTISB Hacking Threats Safeguard Mobile Phones
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