Smartphones are integral to our lives. 60% of internet traffic comes from smartphones. And most of us handle everything from our social contacts and dating lives to banking and work mails via mobile apps.
Consequently, smartphone security has become essential. Finding out how to know if your phone has been hacked, for example, is now a necessary skill.
Luckily, there are simple yet effective ways to boost your smartphone security and prevent breaches. Let’s cut to the chase and dive into 10 tips to maintain security on your mobile device.
#1. Take precautions on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is often hazardous, serving as a prime hunting ground for hackers. Password-free connections are commonly unencrypted, offering no base protection for those connected.
A common threat of public connections are man-in-the-middle attacks. Here, a hacker creates their own imposter Wi-Fi, set up to look just like a public network. Once you’re connected, they wait to collect login credentials, payment data, and more.
By using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) such as Surfshark, your browsing activities are fully encrypted, even if you are connected to a fake network. (You can download Surfshark here.)
#2. Avoid public charging ports
Unfortunately, threats in public spaces don’t end with unsecured WiFi connections. Hackers can also compromise shared charging ports in cafés, airports, or libraries. This method is colloquially known as “juice jacking”.
While the ports on your phone charge your device, they also transfer data. If a public charging port has been tampered with, you could be giving a hacker complete access to your smartphone and all the data you store on it.
The best thing you can do is avoid these entirely. Opt for using your own wall charger with standard power sockets, or invest in a powerbank.
#3. Implement the built-in screen locks
Every smartphone offers screen locks, yet 28% of users report not using one. Cyber threats are a huge concern, but the danger of physical theft is ever-present. If you don’t use screen lock, a thief only needs to steal your phone to have access to everything.
Screen locks come in the forms of:
- PIN codes
- Passwords
- Pattern locks
This doesn’t even include biometrics like facial recognition and fingerprint scanners. These can add an extra layer of personalized protection from phone thieves.
Source: 200degrees
#4. Enable remote tracking features
As mentioned, threats to your smartphone aren’t solely online. If physical theft happens, it’s not guaranteed that your screen lock will keep thieves out. In these scenarios, remote phone tracking features are your best ally.
Enable “Find My iPhone” (Apple users), or “Find My Device” (Android) in your phone settings. Not only will this allow you to track your device’s location, but it will also make it possible to remotely wipe your data, removing any private information.
#5. Make regular data backups
With all the preventative measures in the world, there’s always a chance of losing your valuable data. To prepare for the worst-case scenario, it’s essential to create comprehensive backups of the information you keep on your device.
When a phone gets hacked, almost all its data will become corrupted and unusable. Rather than starting from scratch with a new device, a secure data backup will save you a ton of effort and time.
#6. Upgrade your password security
Reusing passwords is a major security threat. A report found that out of 106 million users that had two or more passwords compromised, 60% reused passwords across their accounts.
It’s easy to see why. With dozens of accounts to your name, how are you supposed to remember so many different, complex passwords?
The simple answer is – you shouldn’t. Instead, opt for a password manager.
This software remembers and secures your login data for you. Many providers even offer password generators, so you don’t need to come up with them yourself.
#7. Keep your OS and apps updated
A core motivation behind a lot of updates is patching security holes. Over time, backdoors into old software become well-known to hackers. By avoiding updates, you may become a victim of cybercrime.
This equally applies to both your Operating System (OS) and apps. Fortunately, this vulnerability is simple and easy to fix. Just keep your OS and apps updated at all times to take advantage of the latest security upgrades.
#8. Download apps only from official app stores
It may sound common-sense to some, but downloading apps from unofficial app stores can be dangerous. Malicious apps masquerade as interesting or already well-known games, but intend to infect your phone.
Stick to official app stores like Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store. These marketplaces automatically scan software for viruses. If you’re an Android user, ensure your browser isn’t allowed to download apps from unknown sources. This can be done via the “Security” settings on your phone.
#9. Audit your app permissions
Many app developers openly share your data with multiple third (and sometimes fourth) parties. Worst of all, we give them permission to do so. If a third party becomes compromised, so does your data.
Auditing your apps’ permissions is a great way to stay on top of what data can be accessed on your phone. You can easily do this by going to your phone’s “Apps” settings. Revoke any permissions you see as unnecessary.
#10. Don’t “jailbreak” or “root” your phone
“Jailbreaking” (iPhone) and “rooting” (Android) your device removes the limitations imposed by mobile manufacturers. While this opens technical possibilities and expands resources available to users, it comes with a major set of security risks.
Some of the attached risks include:
- Loss of inbuilt cybersecurity protections
- Inability to access new security updates
- Causing your device’s warranty to become invalid
Jailbreaking and rooting allow administrator rights, but not just for the user. This means that when malicious code enters your phone, it will have unlimited access to all private information stored on the device.
Conclusion – maintaining your smartphone security is essential
Smartphone security is vital in our increasingly digital world. By following the 10 strategies above, you’ll be safe from the vast majority of mobile security threats. With little effort, your private data will be untouchable by cybercriminals and thieves alike.
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