Does Airplane Mode Prevent Hacking?

If you want to make sure your smartphone and other devices are secure from cyberattacks, you may have asked yourself, “Does airplane mode prevent hacking?” While not a feasible solution to use all the time, airplane mode can temporarily block hackers while your device is not connected to WiFi or cellular networks.

Every day, hackers are coming up with new and innovative ways to access your phone’s most private information, but this common feature might be able to help with your phone’s protection problems.

What Is Airplane Mode?

Jetsetters may be familiar with this useful smartphone feature, but it’s something all cellphone users should know about. Airplane mode disables wireless signal transmissions to and from your device. Airplane mode will disconnect you from any WiFi network and disable Bluetooth on your phone, possibly GPS as well. Your phone will be unable to communicate with other phones via cellular towers.

This means that no text messages or phone calls will be permitted. Airlines ask that passengers use airplane mode when traveling so the wireless signals from cell phones don’t interfere with the navigation equipment of the plane. However, there might be a broader use for the function. Does airplane mode prevent hacking? Maybe.

What Is Hacking?

Hacking is when someone gains unauthorized access to your personal device and information. That person is usually a hacker, a tech-savvy computer whiz with malicious intent. A hacker will use a complex system of social engineering to bait you into clicking on malware or inputting your personal information. They will surprise your device with false threats to security by using pop-up banners or bogus warnings in your spam mail as scareware to allure your click. A hacker may also entice you to reveal sensitive information by telling users they need to perform some critical task.

TYPES OF CYBER ATTACKS

When answering the question “Does airplane mode prevent hacking?”, we must first dive into the types of cyber attacks. A cyber attack happens when an attempt is made to breach the information of an individual or a business by gaining unauthorized access to a network. Cyber attacks happen almost every day and it’s important to stay vigilant about protecting your information.

Phishing is a type of social engineering, where emails are sent from fraudulent entities, encouraging recipients to disclose sensitive information. These texts or emails could threaten that there is a catastrophe if a link isn’t clicked or a program isn’t downloaded. Spear phishing is when a specific person is targeted. It is often used as a technique to infiltrate the network security of businesses. It prompts employees to change their passwords or input credit card numbers.

Malware is basically malicious software that infects your device. This can be spyware, a virus, or any unwanted program that breaches through your unprotected network. Malware can take information from your device, but also install subsequent programs and block your own access to your network. It can typically gain access when you click a link on a fraudulent email or phony advertisement pop-up.

STEPS TO PREVENT HACKING

  • Password Protect Your Phone: This is the easiest way to prevent hacking. If your phone is lost (or stolen), you won’t have to worry about someone breaking in and stealing your most prized information. Most phones today require or encourage that a password be set up.

    Luckily, technology experts are always coming up with new ways to make phones safer. There are optical in-screen fingerprint scanners and cameras that are programmed to analyze the unique structure of your face to make locking your phone a personalized experience. These biometric tools help protect your device, but hackers are constantly figuring out new ways to break in. The best way to protect your phone is to simply never leave it unattended.
  • If It’s Suspicious, Delete It: Never open emails, and especially, email attachments from sources you don’t recognize. If the email comes from someone you know, it’s good form to confirm that they were the ones who sent the email to you. You want to make sure that anything you open on your device comes from a trusted source.
  • Be Weary of Public WiFi: Avoid using unprotected Bluetooth and WiFi networks while in public. Sometimes, these connections are unsecured and there’s no way of telling how safe a network is when you’re on the go. A good practice is to disable your Bluetooth and WiFi if you aren’t using these services. Studies suggest that enabling these features 2/47 makes it easier for hackers to get into your devices.

Does Airplane Mode Prevent Hacking?

If you’re wondering does airplane mode prevent hacking, the answer is yes and no. If somehow your device has already been infected by malware, using airplane mode would be ineffective in protecting your phone. However, if you want your secured information protected, airplane mode is a great way to temporarily isolate your phone from malevolent hackers. It limits your device’s connection to unsecure public networks and hides you from hackers.

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MobileQubes offers a secure network of portable charging kiosks to take secure charging-on-the-go options off your list of things to worry about. With our Qubes, you don’t need to fret about juice jacking or other tactics that use public USB connections to steal your personal data. Our portable battery packs are easy, fast, and affordable. Just stop by one of the self-service kiosks in your city to rent and return a convenient, portable charger. Find a Qube today!