With advancement in technology, there’s lot more at stake than just losing your contacts or texts. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, your personal data could be at risk.
As technology grows, more windows of opportunities open for hackers who to steal your information and use it illegally. If certain precautions are not taken, your social media accounts, your synced files, your important documents, your emails, your photos and your messages will be at risk.
Mobile phones are considered to be at high risk as compared to PCs. This is due to mobility and GPS devices which can track you everywhere. If we install flawed apps or malware, we can be tracked down because mobiles are everywhere with us.
Some challenges related to security are due to the operating system on which mobile devices work. The two major operating systems are:
- iOS for Apple devices
- Android used by a wide range of devices
Apple devices are more secure. Applications can only be installed from the App Store.
On the other hand, Google has made Android an open technology. Android apps can be installed from different sources, which can be harmful due to an unknown source.
Sensible and common sense precautions can protect your mobile devices and personal data from theft. Some of the most effective ways to overcome mobile security problems are:
1- Lock Your Phone Using a Pin, Password or Pattern:
This can prevent anyone from using your phone without your consent. Also, put a pin lock on your SIM so that no one can use it in another mobile.
2 – Do Not Save All of Your Passwords:
If someone get hands on your phone, it will be easy for them to get access information from your personal accounts.
3 – Lock Your Apps:
App lockers can be used to lock apps which contain your personal messages or account information. You can prevent anyone from accessing your information without your consent.
4 – Only Download Apps From Trusted Stores:
Always download and install apps from trusted stores such as the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
5 – Update Your Operating System and Apps:
Periodic updates are available on both operating systems. They not only contain new features but also offer tightened security.
6 – Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
Bluetooth security risks are real, and Wi-Fi as well. Both can be used to get the connection with your mobile phone. Hackers can use them to access your personal data and your files.
Also avoid using public networks. Your network connection can be compromised and your personal data can be accessed easily.
7 – Use VPNs:
Virtual Private Networks (VPN) can be used to secure your network, which encrypts your data while you are sharing it.
8 – Avoid Handing Over Personal Information:
If you get requests via email or text for account information from any business, contact the business directly to confirm the request. These requests often come from hackers.
9 – Log Out of Sites After Shopping:
If you make payments with your smartphone, log out of those sites once your transactions are completed. Other guidelines include not storing your usernames and passwords on your phone and avoiding transactions while you are on public Wi-Fi.
10 – Backing Up Your Data:
You should regularly backup your mobile device. For Android, you can use apps like Titanium Backup. iOS devices can be backed up using iCloud or iTunes.
If you have a backup you can restore your Android device back to its original state. Without a backup, you will lose all the information on your device, if it is compromised.
11 – Remote Wipe:
If you have Android device – whether it is a phone or a tablet – you can track and wipe your lost device with Android Device manager.
For iOS users, use iCloud to track and wipe your device remotely.
I’ve shared with you the most effective ways to protect your smartphone. What will you do to overcome mobile security issues?
