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While there’s no doubt that smartphones have put a world of possibility in our pockets, they’ve also opened us up to security breaches that would have been impossible a few short years ago. Playing safely in the digital playground doesn’t need to be hard, however, if you have these savvy tricks under your sleeve!

Codes you need to know to keep your smartphone safe

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We’re going to start the checkup into our phone’s health with a few simple codes you can run from the call screen.

*#21#

This code is designed to show you if you have diversion services like unconditional call forwarding active. If someone else has set these functions up on your device unknowingly, you’ll also see it here.

*#62#

Has your phone been quiet lately? This will show you if data, calls, or messages are being forwarded away from your device if you don’t answer immediately.

If you discover any redirection on your phone you don’t want, the code ##002# will turn off all such services. Safety aside, it’s also great to use before you travel, as it will stop roaming charges being applied to your voicemail.

*#06#

This code will give you your IMEI number, which is of great use if your device is stolen. Unlike your SIM, it can’t be changed, and as soon as the device pings your network operator, it can be located. It does work both ways- if someone knows your IMEI, they can discover your tech specs for the phone.

Bond, James Bond

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Are you being followed through your phone? This could help you check. You will need the utility netmonitor for this one, however. Type in the correct code for your phone type:

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• Android:*#*#4636#*#*or*#*#197328640#*#*

• iPhone:*3001#12345#*
  

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Now head to the UMTS Cell Environment, then UMTS RR info. Take note of all numbers that appear under ‘Cell ID’. These represent the stations around you, and your phone will lock to the one with the best signal by default.

Armed with this info, go back to the Main Menu>Info> Serving PLMN. Write down the numbers under Local Area Code. Now use this website to figure out the physical location of the stations you are connected to. In general, static stations are not fishy. Mobile stations could be. While festivals and other areas can use them, if there’s one with no obvious source, be suspicious.

Other steps to take to stay safe

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It’s not just about inputting fancy numbers, though. You also need to make sure you’re taking basic precautions to keep yourself safe. Android users should be running an antivirus app to keep dangerous viruses like PlaceRaider off of their phone. This virus uses photographs to reconstruct your building and beams that information to other people… along with your data and passwords!

Make sure you don’t pass your phone around to strangers, allow people unfettered access to your settings, or share passwords and pins. This will help keep you safe from people around you stalking you without your knowledge. National security agencies, obviously, have far more tech at their disposal. Should they wish to tap your phone, they need to present a warrant to your cell operator- so there’s little you  can do. Don’t believe stories about phones overheating, losing battery, etc if it’s tapped. That’s just likely to be a phone fault!

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If you’re worried about being tracked by criminals, stalkers, or wayward family members, try to stick to messaging apps like Telegram and Signal, that are closed to outsiders. You should also learn to be discreet with your personal information- not everyone needs to know your phone number, and they certainly don’t need key information about family, pets, and your life! Don’t splash photos of your kids or younger siblings all over social media sites. Nor should you just install unknown apps on your phone- know what each app does, and why it needs the security permissions it uses. Don’t follow every link you find in emails or websites, especially if it gets labeled unsafe, and be wary of the ‘free’ charging points and data networks you use. Better to be safe than cool!

Parents, spouses, and unscrupulous entities may occasionally try to track phones. Know that your phone operator should only ever activate tracking with your explicit agreement, or for the police if they present a warrant- no one else. And if you should happen to be that spouse or parent, understand that not only are you infringing greatly on your target’s basic rights, but that you are also opening yourself to both legal prosecution and data theft of your own. Many apps and websites that offer to track phones or find people are frauds themselves with criminal intent towards your own data.

The world can be a scary place at times, but learning to practice ‘good safety hygiene’ with your phone will help keep you safer. Don't forget to use these nifty tricks regularly, and stay safe out there!