What to look for when going through a phone

I’ve always found that a good digital hygiene check starts with these basics:

  1. Message apps: Look for unknown or suspicious conversations.
  2. Call logs: Spot unusual numbers or patterns.
  3. Installed apps: Scan for unfamiliar or unnecessary apps, especially security risks.
  4. Photos/videos: Check for odd or unexpected media.
  5. Account logins: Review which accounts the device is logged into.
  6. Security settings: Ensure PINs/passwords are strong and device is updated.

What worked for me was using the built-in security scan on Android or iOS—they catch most obvious issues.