Your smartphone is no longer just a phone. For most New Zealanders, it’s a wallet, ID, work device, and photo archive all in one. At Advanced Computers, we regularly see customers in Auckland who only realise their phone was compromised after money has gone missing or accounts are locked.
Mobile scams and malware are increasing across Auckland, especially through SMS, fake delivery messages, and unsecured public Wi-Fi. Below are eight essential, technician-approved steps to protect your smartphone and personal data.
1. Use Strong Lock Screen Security (Biometrics + Passcode)
Always enable Face ID or fingerprint unlocking, backed up by a strong passcode (not a 4-digit PIN).
Why this matters:
If your phone is lost or stolen, biometrics alone are not enough. A strong passcode prevents criminals from accessing banking apps, saved passwords, and email accounts.
Technician tip:
Avoid obvious PINs like birth years or repeating numbers. If someone knows you personally, those are the first they try.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on Key Accounts
Enable 2FA on:
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Email accounts
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Apple ID / Google Account
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Banking and payment apps
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Social media accounts
Use an authenticator app rather than SMS codes where possible.
Why Auckland users are targeted:
We’ve seen several local cases of SIM-swap fraud, where scammers convince telcos to move your number to another SIM. SMS-based 2FA offers no protection in these cases.
3. Watch Out for SMS Scams (“Smishing”) in Auckland
Aucklanders are frequently targeted with fake texts about:
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Unpaid tolls
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Missed courier deliveries
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NZ Post or NZTA alerts
Golden rule: Never tap a link in a text message.
If you’re concerned, manually visit the organisation’s official website using your browser.
If you’ve already clicked a suspicious link, your phone should be checked immediately.
4. Keep Your Phone Updated — Security Patches Matter
Always install the latest supported version of iOS or Android.
Software updates don’t just add features — they fix known security vulnerabilities actively used by hackers.
Best practice:
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Enable automatic updates
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Install updates overnight while charging
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Avoid delaying “security patch” updates
Outdated phones are one of the most common causes of mobile compromise we see in our Auckland repair centres.
5. Protect Your Cloud Backups
Make sure your phone is backed up to:
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iCloud (Apple)
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Google One (Android)
Ensure backups are encrypted and protected with your main account password and 2FA.
Why this matters:
If your phone is lost, damaged, or stolen — even dropped in the harbour — your data is recoverable.
6. Turn On “Find My” Before You Need It
Enable:
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Find My iPhone (Apple)
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Find My Device (Android)
This allows you to:
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Track your phone’s location
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Lock it remotely
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Erase data if theft is confirmed
We often assist Auckland customers who only discover this feature after losing their device — by then, it’s too late.
7. Review App Permissions Regularly
Many apps request far more access than they need.
Check:
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Location access
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Microphone and camera access
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Contacts and photo permissions
If an app doesn’t clearly need access, revoke it.
Real-world example:
We’ve seen “utility” apps harvesting contact lists and running background activity that slows phones and drains batteries.
8. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi at cafes, malls, and airports is often unsecured.
Avoid:
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Internet banking
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Logging into work systems
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Entering passwords
If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a reputable paid VPN, not free services that sell user data.
Smartphone Security Support in Auckland
If your phone is:
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Overheating
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Draining unusually fast
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Showing pop-ups or ads
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Locked out of accounts
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Behaving strangely after clicking a link
It may be compromised.
Our technicians at Advanced Computers provide:
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Smartphone security checks
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Malware and spyware removal
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Data recovery
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Account access assistance
- Smartphone repairs
Visit Us in Auckland
North Shore:
7C Triton Drive, Rosedale
Penrose:
67 Station Road, Penrose
Early action can prevent permanent data loss or financial damage.