The security risks we face are constantly morphing. Criminals are relentless in their attempts to break into your email, your brokerage account, your retirement fund, and your bank account. You name it, they want it.
They have two main goals: either to take over your entire digital life through your phone or to swipe access to individual accounts one by one. I want to share a few simple housekeeping tips that will go a long way in keeping your hard-earned money safe.
The iPhone Threat: “Dark Sword” Spyware
Right now, there is a specific security threat geared toward iPhone users. Hackers are using a type of spyware known as “Dark Sword” to dig deep into your device and gain access to virtually everything you have stored on it.
The solution is incredibly simple, yet so many people — whether they are on iPhone or Android — never get around to doing it: Update your software.
Dark Sword exploits known vulnerabilities. If you aren’t on the latest version of iOS, criminals can essentially live on your phone and access anything they want.
Why Are Hackers Targeting iPhones?
While the U.S. market is split roughly 50/50 between iPhone and Android, hackers in the United States specifically target iPhones for a calculated reason. Generally speaking, iPhone users in the U.S. tend to have higher incomes and more assets. To a criminal, that makes an iPhone a higher-value target for identity theft and financial fraud.
My advice: Check your settings right now to see if there is an update waiting for you. Don’t wait; get it done today.
Moving Beyond Passwords: The Power of Passkeys
For a long time, two-factor authentication (2FA) usually meant getting a one-time code via text message. But today, the gold standard is something called Passkeys. Traditional passwords are easily compromised, forgotten, or stolen. Passkeys, on the other hand, are a digital method of verifying who you are that is far safer.
What’s truly great about this technology is that it was a cooperative effort. Some of the largest tech companies in the world actually worked together to create a safer environment for you and your accounts.
You don’t need to worry about the complex tech happening “behind the curtain.” All you need to know is:
When a site or app asks, “Would you like to use passkeys for this?” the answer is YES.
Using them is ultra-easy. Essentially, your phone becomes your “friend” to verify your identity instantly.
Final Thoughts
Criminals are getting smarter, but you can stay ahead of them. Perform those software updates the moment they are available and ditch the weak passwords in favor of passkeys. These simple steps are the best defense for your wallet and your peace of mind.
The post This Simple iPhone Update Stops Dangerous Spyware From Stealing Your Data appeared first on Clark Howard.