Why Cybercriminals Love Old Smartphones: The Hidden Risks of Using Outdated Devices (Part 3)
July 24, 2026
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By Jackson Godwin. Cybersecurity Analyst & Penetration Tester.
How to Stay Safe If You’re Using an Older Smartphone
By the end of my conversation with my uncle, he had stopped asking,
“Should I buy a new phone?”
Instead, he asked a much better question.
“How can I make this phone as safe as possible until I replace it?”
That is exactly the right mindset.
Not everyone can replace a smartphone immediately.
The good news is that there are several practical steps you can take to reduce your risk while using an older device.
1. Install Every Available Update
If your phone is still receiving updates, don’t ignore them.
Many people postpone updates because they think they only add new features.
In reality, security updates often fix known vulnerabilities and improve the overall protection of your device.
Whenever an update becomes available from the manufacturer, install it as soon as it is convenient to do so.
2. Keep Your Apps Updated
Even if your operating system is older, many applications continue to release their own updates.
These updates may include:
Bug fixes.
Performance improvements.
Security enhancements.
Visit your official app store regularly and update your applications.
Outdated apps can introduce unnecessary security risks.
3. Remove Apps You Don’t Use
When I finished reviewing my uncle’s phone, I counted more than 80 installed applications.
He regularly used fewer than 20.
The rest had been forgotten.
Unused apps increase clutter and, depending on the app, may continue to request permissions or consume storage and resources.
Every few months, review your installed apps and remove those you no longer need.
4. Download Apps Only From Trusted Sources
One of the biggest mistakes people make is installing software from unknown websites or random links shared through messaging apps.
Whenever possible, download apps only from trusted app stores provided for your device.
If an app asks you to disable security protections or install software from an unfamiliar source, think carefully before proceeding.
5. Use a Strong Screen Lock
A screen lock is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your personal information.
Whether you use:
A PIN.
A password.
Fingerprint recognition.
Face recognition.
Avoid leaving your phone unlocked.
If your phone is lost or stolen, a screen lock adds an important layer of protection.
6. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Many important online accounts support Multi-Factor Authentication.
This means that even if someone discovers your password, they may still need an additional verification step before accessing your account.
Whenever available, enable MFA for:
Email.
Banking.
Social media.
Cloud storage.
Work accounts.
7. Back Up Your Important Data
My uncle smiled when I asked where his family photos were stored.
“On the phone.”
That answer worried me more than the age of the phone itself.
Phones can be:
Lost.
Stolen.
Damaged.
Reset unexpectedly.
Regular backups help ensure that important memories and documents can be restored if something happens to your device.
When Is It Time to Replace an Older Smartphone?
There isn’t one single answer that fits everyone.
However, you may want to consider replacing your phone if:
It no longer receives security updates from the manufacturer.
Important apps are no longer supported.
The battery no longer lasts long enough for your daily needs.
The device frequently crashes or becomes unreliable.
It no longer meets your personal or professional requirements.
Replacing a phone isn’t always about getting newer technology.
Sometimes it’s about continuing to receive ongoing security support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every old smartphone unsafe?
No.
An older smartphone is not automatically unsafe.
The level of risk depends on factors such as whether it still receives security updates, how it is used, and the security habits of its owner.
Can I keep using an unsupported phone?
Many people do.
However, because unsupported devices no longer receive manufacturer security updates, it’s wise to take additional precautions and plan for replacement when practical.
Should I buy the newest flagship phone?
Not necessarily.
You don’t need the most expensive smartphone.
A reliable device that continues to receive security updates and meets your daily needs is often a sensible choice.
What matters more—the phone or the user?
Both.
Even the newest smartphone cannot protect someone who repeatedly installs unknown apps, reuses weak passwords, or ignores security advice.
Likewise, good cybersecurity habits can significantly improve your overall protection regardless of the device you use.
The Biggest Lesson My Uncle Learned
As I prepared to leave, my uncle looked at his phone differently.
Not because it was old.
But because he now understood something he had never considered before.
A smartphone isn’t only a piece of hardware.
It’s also software.
And software needs ongoing maintenance.
Without updates, even a phone that still “works perfectly” may gradually lose important security protections over time.
That simple realization completely changed his perspective.
Final Thoughts
Millions of people continue using older smartphones every day.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to get the most value from a device.
The important thing is understanding the difference between working and being well protected.
A phone can still make calls.
Open WhatsApp.
Browse the internet.
Take photographs.
Yet no longer receive the security updates designed to help protect it against newly discovered threats.
Cybersecurity isn’t about creating fear.
It’s about making informed decisions.
If your phone is still supported, keep it updated.
If it has reached the end of its supported life, start planning for a replacement when your budget allows.
And no matter which phone you use, remember this:
Your best security feature isn’t the newest processor or the biggest screen.
It’s the habits you practice every day.
About the Author
Jackson Godwin is a Cybersecurity Consultant specializing in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC), ISO/IEC 27001, PCI DSS, Cloud Security, AI Security, and Digital Risk Management.
With years of experience helping organizations identify vulnerabilities and improve their cybersecurity posture, Jackson is committed to making cybersecurity easy to understand for everyday users.
Through JacksonTechnology.com.ng, he publishes practical cybersecurity awareness stories, ethical hacking tutorials, compliance guides, cloud security insights, AI security resources, and online safety tips that help individuals and businesses stay protected in today’s digital world.
His mission is to educate, empower, and inspire safer digital habits—one cybersecurity story at a time.
