By Sharon McDowell
Several years ago, we published an article in this series focused on scams and how increased cell phone use for essential tasks leave us especially vulnerable to all types of cyber scams. “Scams Are on the Rise: How to Stay Safe” contains valuable information about cyber security that is still relevant, given the likelihood that anyone who owns a phone will receive phishing messages designed to steal your money, your data or your identity.
However, when it comes to cellphone safety, dealing with scammers is only one aspect of remaining vigilant. Here are some other risks to consider and guidance on how to lessen those risks.
Consider Your Physical Safety
Cell phones transmit low levels of non-ionizing radiation whenever they are in use. This radiation is known as radio frequency (RF) energy. According to the FDA, “Radio frequency radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which is a combination of electric and magnetic fields that move through space together as waves.”1 Most of us experience radio frequency energy quite regularly since other sources include lightbulbs, WIFI routers, computers, blue-tooth devices and even broadcast televisions. The FDA also notes that current data of studies conducted over 30 years shows no health risk to humans from exposure to radio frequency radiation.2 However, there have been reports of cellphones overheating. Although these incidences are infrequent, serious injuries have been documented from cell phones which have exploded or caught fire.
To avoid the possibility of your phone overheating, take the following steps:
• Keep your phone away from direct sunlight or a very hot environment like a picnic table or park bench
• Close background apps which can lead to a strain on the processor
• Decrease screen brightness to keep pressure on the processor to a minimum
• Give your phone a break and remove the cell phone case to avoid a build-up of heat trapped behind the case
• Be sure to keep your phone updated with the latest software. Updates often contain fixes that prevent overheating
• Don’t leave your phone plugged in after it reaches 100%. This is one reason to avoid charging overnight. Apple recommends that iPhone batteries are best kept between 20% to 80% charged, and Samsung recommends 30% to 80% for optimal battery life.
• Use a charger supplied by the manufacturer or one which is certified for your phone. Inexpensive chargers can cause issues with the processor.
• When you are not using WIFI or 5G connectivity, turn on Airplane mode to allow the processor to power down and avoid overheating.
Other Physical Effects
Interference with Healthy Sleep. When people use their phones before bedtime, scientific studies indicate that sleep patterns are disrupted, and the quality of sleep is reduced. This occurs because the blue light emitted from the screens interferes with melatonin production, which is the hormone that regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycles. As a result, people cannot fall asleep as quickly.
This often becomes a vicious cycle because when a person can’t fall asleep, they are more likely to scroll on their cellphone. The recommendation is to move cellphones into another room or at least three feet away.
Eye Strain and Digital Eye Syndrome. Staring at mobile screens for long periods of time can result in what is now called Digital or Computer Eye Syndrome. Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, headaches, fuzzy eyesight and reduced blink rate. Consequently, the proliferation of over-the-counter dry eye drops is attributable to increased use of digital screens.
Once again, the culprit is the blue light reflected from the screens; continuous exposure to blue light might even lead to development of macular degeneration. The solution is to take regular breaks from the digital screens, decrease screen brightness, and use blue light filters or special glasses.
Consider Your Security — QR Codes
Undoubtedly, you’ve seen QR codes just about everywhere. Used as a touchless way to provide information, they grew in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find them on apps and in restaurants, and they are used to sign up for newsletters, learn more about a product in an ad, and purchase tickets for a show or movie. To access information or pay a bill contained in the code, you’ll likely use your cellphone’s camera to scan the code. The code takes you to a website URL where you can pay or access the needed information. But scammers also use these codes to gain access to information on your cellphone.
The most common way a scam is performed is by covering a legitimate QR code with a sticker of a fake QR code. Placing fraudulent QR codes on parking meters is a popular way this scam is perpetrated. Restaurant menu QR codes are another place the con artists hit. In person, you can sometimes feel the sticker covering up the original code. Another sign that the QR code might not be legitimate is if it is located in an odd place or crooked.
However, these codes can also be sent via text message or email with a reason to scan the code. The reasons include:
• The inability to deliver a package
• An issue with an account causing the need to confirm information
•Alleged suspicious activity on an account causing the need to change the password or another issue that creates urgency
When using any QR code, always check the URL before opening the link. Does it end with a “.com” or with something else? For example, well-known organizations will not use a “.me” in their website address. Scammers buy domain names with the letters jumbled, such as “eBya.com” or a name somewhat like a real company’s name to fool viewers, such as “Arnazon.com.” These fake domain names will sometimes come with a fake website that might appear legitimate. Make sure the website starts with “https” and not just “http.” The “s” means it is secure. Some browsers will warn you that the website is not secure. Pay attention to those warnings.
How payment is required or requested is another warning sign of fake websites. If you’re in doubt, call the company directly.
Other ways to protect yourself include keeping your phone updated and using strong passwords with multifactor authentication. If you fall victim to a QR code scam, immediately call the bank, review all your accounts, and change your passwords.
We live in a world where thieves are constantly finding ways to use your phone to harm you, and the rising use of AI makes it even easier. Phone safety and security requires us to be intentional about how, when and even why we choose to use our phones.
With a little caution, you can reduce your chances of succumbing to the physical effects of cell phone use, protect against QR code scams, and enjoy the benefits and convenience that cell phones make available to us.
2https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/do-cell-phones-pose-health-hazard
The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. While MMBB made every attempt to ensure that the information is accurate, MMBB is not responsible for any errors or omissions or the results obtained from the use of this information. MMBB is not liable for any success or failure that is directly or indirectly related to the use of the information contained herein.
Sharon McDowell serves as the business liaison and technical trainer at MMBB. She joined MMBB’s staff in 1992 and served on MMBB’s Help Desk team as a network analyst for more than 15 years. She is currently responsible for coordinating MMBB’s ongoing cybersecurity training. Her education includes a BS in computer science from State University of New York, College at New Paltz.
