Are you guilty of these common mistakes? Insights from a cybersecurity expert

In an era where smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, indispensable for daily tasks and beyond, a stark reality check emerges. According to Keiran Burge, a seasoned security consultant at Prism Infosec and professional hacker, our cherished smartphones may not be as impervious to cyber threats as we naively believe.

In an exclusive conversation with the Daily Mail, Burge, whose profession involves scrutinizing and uncovering cybersecurity flaws before malevolent actors exploit them, laid bare some unsettling revelations. It turns out that in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, certain habits make our smartphones an easy prey for hackers, potentially compromising sensitive information within seconds.

One of the fundamental safeguards, as emphasized by Burge, is ensuring your device is equipped with the latest software updates. “Out-of-date software is a really big issue because, if the software has been updated, it’s probably because there is a security issue,” he cautioned. Neglecting software updates leaves an open invitation for hackers to infiltrate and seize control of your device or pilfer sensitive data.

A seemingly innocuous yet perilous habit flagged by Burge is the reuse of passwords. “No matter what site you’re giving information to, you don’t know what they’re going to do with that information or how they’re going to protect it,” he warned. The domino effect ensues – a breach on one site potentially grants hackers access to multiple accounts if identical passwords are employed.

Burge underscored the alarming repercussions of data breaches, revealing, “As soon as a company is breached there’s usually a big database dump that gets put on the darkweb.” This ominous revelation serves as a wake-up call for individuals to prioritize robust and unique passwords.

The discussion extended to the realm of personal information shared online. Burge urged caution, stating, “On a personal level, for someone in their day-to-day activities, one of the most important things that people need to think about is how much information they’re sharing online.” The line between convenience and vulnerability blurs when oversharing becomes the norm.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Burge’s insights serve as a timely reminder to fortify our digital defenses. Staying vigilant, updating software, employing unique passwords, and exercising prudence in online disclosures are pivotal steps to ensure our smartphones remain secure in an increasingly interconnected world.