According to recent research, the total number of mobile phones in use globally in 2020 is around 5 billion. About half of those mobiles are smartphones. Incredibly, this equates to about a third of the global population using their phones to browse the web, engage in social media, text, email, and make calls. So, even if you were late coming to the party, it’s likely you’re now using your smartphone every day and racking up gigabytes of accumulated personal information. At this point, you should be thinking about smartphone security. So, how will you keep your information, and privacy, safe?
This is a basic, first level of defense. This stops anybody from getting easy access to your apps and information. Also, for added convenience, set-up touch, or face ID if your device allows it. This way, you only need to apply a fingerprint or look at your camera to unlock it.
Treat any link you receive via text or email with caution. Basically, if you don’t know the sender then do not click it. Even if you recognise the sender, check first to make sure it was actually sent from them. Cyber-criminals are becoming more sophisticated and pretending to be someone else is their game. This is called phishing, don’t take the bait!
Once you’re notified of a software update for your device, download and install it. OS updates are to add features but also to patch security flaws and provide better smartphone security.
This can be annoying we know but if a hacker gets hold of a password, you can be sure they will try every account you have. So, consider using a Password Manager to help you create strong passwords and store them safely. Alternatively, write them down if you absolutely have to, but don’t keep them near your devices.
If you logon to free Wi-Fi, be sure to connect through a VPN app. Free, or Open Networks, are hotspots for cybercriminal activity. Browsing through a VPN will hide your activities from the prying eyes of the cybercriminal.
Make sure your phone is set to automatically backup to the cloud. This gives you peace of mind if your device is ever lost, stolen, broken, or hacked. Plus, if any of this happens, remember to use the ‘erase my phone remotely’ option.
