We
rely so much on our smartphones and store so much sensitive data on it to make
our lives easier. With all these sensitive data onboard a tiny device, we
should pay more attention to keeping it safe and away from anyone unwanted.
Here are some precautions to help you.
1. Set Lock screen Security
Leaving your phone unattended on a desk for a few minutes could lead to someone accessing it to extract lots of vulnerable information. Which is why enabling lock screen security is essential to keeping your smartphone away from unwanted users. This is the easiest way to defend you and your data, and pretty much every smartphone has this feature. Manufacturers know privacy is important to users.
1. Set Lock screen Security
Leaving your phone unattended on a desk for a few minutes could lead to someone accessing it to extract lots of vulnerable information. Which is why enabling lock screen security is essential to keeping your smartphone away from unwanted users. This is the easiest way to defend you and your data, and pretty much every smartphone has this feature. Manufacturers know privacy is important to users.
Some thieves would try breaking the lock screen by trying out passwords but to
really keep your data safe from brute force hacking, you could enable a feature
that erases all data from your smartphone after a preset number of failed
attempts.
2. Turn Off Settings When Not In Use
Hackers are able to do all sorts of things that will surprise you. Turning off phone settings like Bluetooth, Location Services, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi and even Cellular Data when not in use not only conserves smartphone battery but also gives hackers less access to your device.
Location Services and Bluetooth should not be turned on when not in use as apps can use lots of location data without you knowing it. As Bluetooth is constantly transmitting your devices’ location and presence, it is possible for hackers to use it to gain access and extract any kind of information found on your device
3. Don’t Download Shady Apps
Apps are probably the only thing that can harm you by stealing your personal data. When downloading an app, make sure that all the details of the app comes from the original ‘company’ or correct developer. Some sneaky apps might even trick people to download a "New and improved HD version" of a legitimate app, so make sure you check a few app details before downloading.
For instance a mobile banking app (or any app that handles financial accounts) should come from the bank itself as seen here on the App Store, and not some other seller or developer.
App ratings and comments can also tell a story. If it’s a popular bank or financial service (PayPal) app that has no rating or comments, chances are it might be fake and you should be careful about downloading it and logging in. So be sure to download apps only if it has been rated many times and has multiple comments.
4. Be Wary Of Fishy Apps and Links
Viruses on mobile platforms can be present in many ways. It can be in the form of a ‘dirty’ app that runs in the background transmitting user data. As the Android system allows third-party apps or programs to be installed (very easily), Android users may open their mobile system up to attacks if they are not wary of the apps they download to their phone.
5. Be careful not to lose your phone!
Not losing your smartphone is sometimes easier said than done. Of course no one wants to lose their smartphone, but unfortunate circumstances might happen. You might have left it at a restaurant, in public restroom, someone pickpocketed you during your vacation or you might have grabbed someone else’s phone by mistake. In all accounts, chances are your phone is good as gone.
Installing apps that can locate your smartphone on your device is essential. These apps can help you locate your phone and some have the option to wipeout the data on the phone so you don’t become a victim of identity theft.
2. Turn Off Settings When Not In Use
Hackers are able to do all sorts of things that will surprise you. Turning off phone settings like Bluetooth, Location Services, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi and even Cellular Data when not in use not only conserves smartphone battery but also gives hackers less access to your device.
Location Services and Bluetooth should not be turned on when not in use as apps can use lots of location data without you knowing it. As Bluetooth is constantly transmitting your devices’ location and presence, it is possible for hackers to use it to gain access and extract any kind of information found on your device
3. Don’t Download Shady Apps
Apps are probably the only thing that can harm you by stealing your personal data. When downloading an app, make sure that all the details of the app comes from the original ‘company’ or correct developer. Some sneaky apps might even trick people to download a "New and improved HD version" of a legitimate app, so make sure you check a few app details before downloading.
For instance a mobile banking app (or any app that handles financial accounts) should come from the bank itself as seen here on the App Store, and not some other seller or developer.
App ratings and comments can also tell a story. If it’s a popular bank or financial service (PayPal) app that has no rating or comments, chances are it might be fake and you should be careful about downloading it and logging in. So be sure to download apps only if it has been rated many times and has multiple comments.
4. Be Wary Of Fishy Apps and Links
Viruses on mobile platforms can be present in many ways. It can be in the form of a ‘dirty’ app that runs in the background transmitting user data. As the Android system allows third-party apps or programs to be installed (very easily), Android users may open their mobile system up to attacks if they are not wary of the apps they download to their phone.
5. Be careful not to lose your phone!
Not losing your smartphone is sometimes easier said than done. Of course no one wants to lose their smartphone, but unfortunate circumstances might happen. You might have left it at a restaurant, in public restroom, someone pickpocketed you during your vacation or you might have grabbed someone else’s phone by mistake. In all accounts, chances are your phone is good as gone.
Installing apps that can locate your smartphone on your device is essential. These apps can help you locate your phone and some have the option to wipeout the data on the phone so you don’t become a victim of identity theft.
If you have photos, emails, contacts, videos or anything else that you want to make sure is available if your smartphone is ever lost or stolen, save it somewhere else such as a computer, USB drive or cloud service. It’s always a good idea to have a backup copy.
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