Do a security check immediately if you use an Android or iPhone device

With Gmail attacks on the rise and security warnings constantly being issued as Google users face new threats, Android smartphone users are becoming a prime target for hackers and scammers.

However, it's not just Android users and Google accounts that are at risk. Recent studies have shown that iOS devices are also becoming a popular target, even more so than Android in some cases.

In particular, iPhone users are being warned about attacks targeting Apple ID, making the risk of losing access and exposing personal information more worrying than ever.

Regardless of the operating system used, smartphone users need to be vigilant and take the necessary security measures to protect their personal data and accounts from increasingly sophisticated threats.

Even the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recommended that all Android and iPhone users should establish a secure password strategy with family and friends to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of cyber attacks.

However, alongside the complex measures, both tech giants Google and Apple offer a simple and completely free security checkup tool that everyone can and should use. It's an effective way to reduce your risk, no matter what device you're using.

Simple security check that all Android and iPhone users are recommended to do present immediately

Despite the availability of a simple, effective, and time-saving security checker tool for both Android and iPhone users, it seems that many people are still unaware of it.

Many experts agree that these are checks that every smartphone user should know and do immediately if they haven’t already. These measures will not only protect your device but also ensure the safety of all your valuable personal data.

Regarding this issue, Jake Moore - Global Cybersecurity Advisor of Slovakia-based cybersecurity company ESET said: "Checking security on Android phones and iPhones is a simple but extremely important step to detect whether your account is being threatened or not."

He also notes that: "Regularly performing security checks on your devices not only helps protect your personal data, but also gives you more control over your privacy settings, account access, and ensures that every password you use is unique and secure."

Check Google account security

The Google Account Security Checkup tool is an essential resource for anyone looking to protect their Android phone from cyberattacks.

This is a measure that cybersecurity experts always recommend, not only to protect your Gmail account but also to prevent any attempts to hack into your Google account and device in a comprehensive way.

The tool provides a clear and simple process, guiding you through important steps like turning on enhanced safe browsing, reviewing recent security activity, updating account recovery options, and checking sensitive settings.

While Google will occasionally remind you to perform a security check, it should be a mandatory practice for all Android users at least once a month. A few minutes spent on this can save you from serious consequences due to security vulnerabilities.

Check security on Apple iPhone

While Apple's Security Checkup for iPhone users, especially those running iOS 16 or later, isn't as comprehensive as Google's security tool, it's still worth using regularly. In fact, if you haven't done it before, do it now.

According to Apple, the feature lets you quickly review, update, and stop sharing personal information with individual people and apps. The tool works through two main options:

Emergency Reset:Immediately stop all information sharing with all users and applications.

Manage Sharing & Access:Allows you to review and adjust information sharing settings and access permissions for each application and individual.

To access Security Checkup, simply go to: Settings → Privacy & Security → Security Checkup. Make this a part of your regular security routine to keep your personal data and devices safe.

"While it's important to keep your device's operating system up to date, these updates are primarily meant to patch known security vulnerabilities. However, Google and Apple's security checks are more effective, as they not only help you fix current issues, but also allow you to detect and prevent potential security threats in the future," cybersecurity expert Jake Moore stressed.