Protect your mobile device from hackers

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - If you thought your password-protected phone was safe, think again.

The security of millions of iPhones and iPads was r ecently breached by the group "AntiSec," which is linked to the famous international hacking group "Anonymous." They revealed about a million UDID numbers, which is a unique number for your device.

It's something that has people concerned about their personal information.

“I think that's the risk of all this modern day technology, it's very easy, I think, for people to hack into your phones and to I think spy on you and see what you're all about,” Donald Blais of Palmer said.

Someone having access to your UDID number leaves you vulnerable. Essentially, this would allow a hacker to get inside your device and gain access to information like your location, as well as get into your accounts.

There is not much you can do if you have already been hacked, but you can protect yourself in case it does happen, says Anthony Russell-Smith, a service technician at Yes Computers in Northampton.

First, don't save passwords to your device, and log out of websites.

“Don't save credit card information on the iPad. It'll ask you to save it if you try to order something, don't save it. Basically, the less information you leak, the more safe you are,” Russell-Smith said.

Also, if your phone is stolen instead of hacked, you can use the iCloud service to erase the information on the phone. You have to have this service activated before you can use it, however.

Also, if you don't want someone knowing where you've been, you can turn off location services on your phone. With locations activated, your phone stores where you are whenever a picture is taken. So if tracking your every move is a concern, turning off that setting may be a good idea.

Apple says that programmers are moving away from using UDID numbers in apps, but if you were one of those breached, you may need to buy a new iPhone or iPad.