10 Tips to be safe on your phone

 1: Update everything. Your phone, your apps. Security patches exist for a reason. Install them to use strong, unique passwords.

2: Use a password manager; they're better than using password 123 for every account or even using a notebook.

3: Enable 2-factor authentication, but use an authenticator app, not SMS. Remember the SIM swapping thing? Microsoft and Google have authenticator apps.

4: Be paranoid about links. If you get a text or e-mail,  assume it's malicious until proven otherwise. Hover over links to see the actual URL. Better yet, just go directly to the website yourself.

5: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not using them. Some Samsung phones turn Wi-Fi off when out of range automatically,

6:  Review app permissions regularly. Go through your apps and revoke unnecessary permissions. Example: Your calculator does not need access to your microphone or your contacts.

7:  Don't overshare on social media. Stop posting your location in real time. Stop  sharing personal details publicly. You're giving hackers a road map to your life.

8: Use a VPN on public networks. If you absolutely must use public Wi-Fi, use a VPN. It encrypts your data so hackers can't intercept it. Or use your 4G/5G Data.

9:  Check your account regularly. Monitor your bank statements. Check credit reports and online accounts for suspicious activity.

10: Trust your instincts,  if something doesn't feel right, it probably isn’t.  Is that e-mail really from your bank asking for your password? A text about a package you didn't order? Just delete it.

The Internet is a wonderful and terrible place. It connects us, entertains us, and makes modern life possible. It also makes it easier than ever for someone you've never met to steal your identity from another country while you're sleeping.

Most hacks succeed because people don't know better or don't take basic precautions.

Update your phone, use strong passwords, be sceptical, don't click random links and stop using public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Hackers are creative and persistent, but at least you'll have made it harder for them, and that's all you can really do. Stay safe out there, paranoid people and go change your passwords right now.