It isn’t surprising that so many businesses and individuals are beginning to take mobile security more seriously. Let’s discuss a couple of steps that you can take to ensure that your phone – and all of its personal data it contains – remains secure and safe.
1. Use a Passcode
That might sound like an obvious thing to do. However, a survey from Consumer Reports shows that 64% of individuals do not use passcodes. (When the factory set passcode is used, that does not count at all). Honestly, it is a terrible idea to not use a passcode. You are basically handing all of your personal information over to anyone who steals your phone.
When setting your passcode up, the same security measures should be used that you would use on your other devices, like not using your social security number or birthday for your passcode. Also, definitely don’t use “1234.” Don’t ever share your passcode with anybody, even if they give you a sad look or ask you nicely. Don’t ever reuse your password from other devices or sites.
Although this is a subject that is a matter of debate, a majority of experts believe it is best to have a pin instead of using swipe patterns. There is a much lower chance that a pin will be guessed compared to guessing a pattern. But either choice is fine as long as you get your phone locked.
2. Be Selective About The Apps You Use
A new app may look great. However, with all of the unknown and unproven third-party providers that are out there, it can be hard to know how secure and private they might be. For this reason, the best thing to do is go through trusted and established app stores like Amazon, Android Market, or iTunes. Also, thoroughly check out the reviews before you download any app or enter in your personal information.
Be especially careful with any financial apps. The top ones should not require you to have to repeatedly enter account information in to get access.
3. Don’t Click On Any Suspicious Links
Perhaps it’s those almost indecipherable, tiny screen, or a false sense of security, however, for whatever reason, people tend to be three times more likely to click on a suspicious link from their cell phone compared to a PC computer. Our best advice is to not do that. Look at the URL more carefully, particularly if they ask you to enter any of your personal information. A majority of banks have a web page that will explain what they will and won’t ask for. Before you offer any personal details, do your research first.
4. Enable Remote Wiping
In the event your phone is ever stolen or lost, it would be good to able to erase your important information from afar. This can be done through remoting wiping, and on most devices, it is fairly easy to do. For example, on an iPhone, you just need to enable “Find My Phone” on your device and also sign up to get an iCloud account, and when it is time for you to wipe, that will be your command center.
There are concerns about location tracking software being used by corporations to infringe on personal privacy rights. Check the company’s policy, and be sure you are comfortable with before you get it set up.
5. Make Sure Your Software Is Kept Updated
Software updates frequently patch privacy and security holes users have discovered as they are testing out the software in the real world. When your software is kept up to date that means you have all of the most recent solutions. However, sometimes it is a good idea to wait for one or two weeks before you install the latest version to find out if there are any issues with the new rollout.
6. Utilize Security Applications
Both Malware and Spyware are becoming increasingly serious problems for users of mobile phones. They send your personal information out, track your whereabouts, and slows your phone down. It can be hard to avoid downloading them, and people often are not aware that they are running them. In order to combat these problems, security software should be installed, just like you would do on your computer, in order to keep your privacy protected against any unknown mischief Be sure to keep your software updated.
You can utilise a VPN to ensure security. Here is a list of android VPN’s.
7. Stay Off Of Any Open Wi-Fi Networks
Given that smartphones are acting like miniature PCs these days, avoid any unknown open Wi-Fi networks, like you would on a PC computer. As you are typing, malicious hotspot may send your passwords and credit card information without you eve being aware of it.
8. Write Your IMEI Down
All phones have a 15-digit serial number which is the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), and that can come in useful if your phone ever gets stolen or lost. It is located in your phone’s settings or behind the battery. It is worth it to write the number down since that can speed the process of up getting your phone returned to you.
9. Back UP Your Phone On A Regular Basis
When you back up your phone you will have access to all of your apps, music, photos and everything else at all times. Of course, it is important just in case your phone is stolen or lost. It also is useful when you lose data or are doing an OS update. For best results, back-up once a day at least, or consider using a cloud program and automatic syncing.
10. Guard the Data That Is On Your Sim Guard
There are several things that you need to do first if you sell your cell phone. Removing both the SD and SIM cards is one of the most important things you need to do since they both contain a ton of data. You should also do this when you are sending in your phone to have it repaired, especially if you are not very familiar with the repair shop.
