Expert warns smartphone users to turn these three settings off immediately to avoid security breach

While we all like to think we're tech savvy and we know what we're doing when it comes to protecting our devices, there's some things you might be doing without realizing that puts your smartphone at risk.

Millions of people across the globe use smartphones everyday and malicious activity is unfortunately always taking place.

In 2024, it was found that 83 percent of phishing scams targeted cellphones specifically and 6.3 percent of smartphones had a malicious app installed, according to data shared by Certo.

One concern of late has been about encrypted messaging service Signal, which is said to have as many as 70 million monthly users.

Earlier this year, the National Security Agency (NSA) issued a report stating that a 'vulnerability' had been found on Signal, CBS News reported at the time, therefore people were warned not to sending anything 'compromising' via the app.

Phishing scams commonly target cellphones (Getty Stock)

Away from making sure the messaging services we're using are safe, there are other things we can be doing to stop our smartphones and personal information being compromised, and its as easy as turning off these three settings on your cell.

Public Wi-Fi

According to the NSA, people should avoid using public Wi-Fi at all costs and encouraged tech-users to opt for personal or corporate Wi-Fi connections instead as they'll be more secure.

"If users choose to connect to public Wi-Fi, they must take precautions," the NSA warned in a report. "Data sent over public Wi-Fi—especially open public Wi-Fi that does not require a password to access— is vulnerable to theft or manipulation."

"Even if a public Wi-Fi network requires a password, it might not encrypt traffic going over it," the agency added.

A good way to ensure that you don't join a public Wi-Fi by mistake is by turning off the 'auto-join' feature that's available on many smartphones.

The NSA has warned people about using public Wi-Fi (Getty Stock)

Bluetooth

"Keeping a device’s Bluetooth feature enabled in a public setting can pose a cybersecurity risk," says the NSA. "Malicious actors can scan for active Bluetooth signals, potentially giving them access to information about the targeted device."

Basically, make sure your Bluetooth is turned off when your out in public places folks.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

NFC is short-range wireless tech that allows you to exchange data security, Apple Pay being an example.

While the range is limited when it comes to NFC, per the name, the NSA still urges people to be cautious when using it.

It says: "Due to NFC range limitations, opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities may be limited. However, NSA advises being aware of security risks with the technology and if possible, disable the function when it is not in use."