Our cell phones have become our most valuable tools for communication, storing contacts, photos, email addresses, passwords, bank account apps, social media apps, and other sensitive content. However, many people take online security lightly, which leaves them open to cyber-attacks.
With every technological advancement and new safety measure, cyber-criminals also switch up their tactics and become more cunning.
Luckily, there are a number of simple, practical ways to protect your smartphone. Go over these ten tips carefully and make sure you apply them to keep the information on your device safe from prying eyes.
1. Enable User Authentication
Smartphones are unlocked by default, but if you have a password, PIN code, or a pattern locking, you’re applying a layer of security to your phone. Besides, the latest models of smartphones have fingerprint recognition and face recognition options for unlocking.
2. Regularly update your cell phone’s operating system
Software providers upgrade their products often, so you should keep yours up to date. Every OS and app update will help resolve mobile security threats and other security vulnerabilities. These updates are usually performed automatically, but you should check for new updates from time to time.
3. Back up your phone’s content
Regular backups of your phone to another disk or the cloud will allow you to restore lost data if your phone is stolen or lost. Moreover, you can free up space on your phone if you remove backed up data from your phone’s storage.
4. Enable Remote Data Wipe
The Remote Data Wipe feature allows deleting all the data stored on your smartphone remotely. In case your smartphone is stolen or lost, enabled Remote Data Wipe will give you access to your phone’s software. This way, you can wipe all the sensitive data before someone tries to steal it. Another benefit of such a feature is that it can help you track and find your phone.
5. Use VPN for Android or iOS
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can not only help you secure your data but hide your location and your IP address as well. This way, you can stay anonymous online. You can find a VPN tool for Android and iOS, and the most popular companies offer excellent service at a reasonable price.
6. Disable Bluetooth when not in use
BlueBorne hackers can access your data through a Bluetooth connection. To keep your files and data safe, turn off the Bluetooth and mobile data when you aren’t using it. Besides, Bluetooth and mobile data can kill your phone’s battery fast, so disabling them will get you a few extra hours of use.
7. Don’t open suspicious links
Don’t click on links that someone sent you unexpectedly. Malware can infiltrate your phone over a suspicious link and cause many issues. Sometimes, anti-virus software can’t recognize malware, so don’t rely solely on it.
8. Avoid using public networks
Public hotspots in places such as airports or restaurants can be dangerous. Since everyone can log on to a public network, hackers and attackers can access these networks and steal your data.
9. Download apps only from trusted stores
Third party apps can carry security vulnerabilities, so avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, especially if they are free. Attractive free apps might be a trap and a way for malware to infiltrate your device. If you want to download and install apps, use only authorized app stores.
10. Avoid rooting your mobile device
While rooting or jailbreaking your smartphone can be very tempting, however, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can let malware infiltrate your phone’s broken operating system. Be smart about it and avoid this option.
Since the number of cyber-attacks is rising every year, security experts have worked out a number of ways to keep your phone protected. These are some fundamental steps for protection. However, you should also consider adding a mobile security app and keeping your anti-virus software up to date. Enabling your phone to automatically wipe all your data after a certain number of password attempts may also be a good idea.
The fact that people are constantly connected to the cloud has encouraged hackers to keep launching attacks on mobile devices. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t protect yourself – you just need to follow a few simple tips and be a bit more careful.
