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Smartphones usually come in handy to perform various tasks and store sensitive information. Cybercriminals have shifted their attention from desktop to mobile devices. Unprotected Wi-Fi networks can expose your data and unscrupulous individuals now take advantage of social media to steal information.
Ransomware, phishing, spyware and other malware attacks are increasing at an alarming rate. Without much ado, here are the surefire ways you can boost mobile security.
Device encryption
Encryption technology is the surest way to add an extra layer of security to your smartphone. This will protect your data in a format that hackers can’t decipher unless they have the right key. Simply encrypt your SD Card in the Settings or restrict access to individual apps.
It should be noted that the process can take some time. Ensure that your battery is fully charged before starting.
Read app permissions
Most apps will ask for permissions as soon as you install them. Avoid proceeding without reading them thoroughly. Scammers can use this opportunity to collect personal information which can affect mobile security.
The best thing is to delete the app if anything looks suspicious. More so, set aside time to read the reviews of each app before installing.
Lock screen
Even though it’s easy to set up this built-in feature, some people rarely use it. A report from the Pew Research Center revealed that over 28% of smartphone users forgo the feature. The benefits go beyond preventing your device from calling random numbers or texting a distant cousin you haven’t contacted in years.
Activating the lock screen option will keep your information safe in case your smartphone gets into wrong hands. Locking your screen with a PIN is much safer than relying on patterns or biometric recognition.
Be wary of public Wi-Fi
It’s imperative to use public Wi-FI sparingly and with discretion. The risks are too many to ignore especially when carrying out an online transaction or entering private information. Don’t be careless with your personal information whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi.
More so, read the terms and conditions to know what you’re signing up for. Maximizing a reliable VPN service will make it daunting for anyone to track your internet activities or steal your data.
Update your apps
Each mobile operating system has a dedicated app store for its users. The popular ones are the App Store and Google Play Store for iOS and Android devices respectively. Your smartphone may be at risk of cyber attack if some apps are outdated.
The same thing goes for the pre-installed operating system on your device. Opt for automatic updates from software developers to be on the safer side. Another way to mitigate mobile security risk involves deleting apps that you haven’t used in the past six months or so.
Switch off connectivity
Location services, internet, and Bluetooth connectivity are meant to be disabled when you’re not using them. Even so, work and the fear of missing out often make people leave them on 24/7. Switching them off will prevent your battery juices from draining quickly and offer protection from hackers.
Anti-virus apps
Play Store has a security feature known as Google Play Protect which can detect malicious apps. Anti-virus apps are your best bet for securing mobile phones from malware. This is really important if you install apps from third-party sources. The free version of anti-virus apps are flawed, so it’s ideal to choose affordable ones. They often come with extra features to help beef up security.
Activate remote tracking
No one uses a smartphone with the hope of losing it, but things like that happen. In view of this, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The first step is to enable the remote tracking feature on your device. Both iOS and Android OS platforms are packed with Find my Phone option.
It gives users the opportunity to manage multiple devices as long as they have internet connectivity. You will be able to locate your device and erase sensitive data remotely. Remember to back up your data regularly through USB or the cloud.
Physical theft of smartphones is still a common occurrence in public places. Keep your devices out of plain sight so that they won’t be easy targets for intruders and pickpockets. Try to be security conscious as you adhere to these suggestions.