With advancing technology, cybersecurity and related threats have also increased. It usually becomes overwhelming for common people with less or no technical exposure. But on the contrary, ensuring security doesn’t require you to be a programmer. It is super easy and simple.?
Let us walk you through it-
- ? ? Use Secure Networks Only
We are in the habit of using Wi-Fi to save our mobile data whenever possible. It is probably the first thing we search for when we go to restaurants and hotels.?
Unsecured networks like Public Networks could create a security breach in your device making it prone to malicious software and links. Make sure you use secured networks and prefer your own mobile data or mobile hotspot.?
While using Wi-Fi Networks, Virtual Private Network i.e. VPN helps maintain security and privacy. There are several VPN services available in the market. You can either go for paid or free VPNs for your smartphone depending on your preference.?
If your usage is not that extensive, it is often a good idea to use a free VPN. While not all free VPNs are safe, there are plenty of free VPNs recommended by sources like VPNRanks for Android and iOS smartphones.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Beware of Phishing
Unlike Desktops and PCs, identifying cyber threats on mobile phones is not that easy. To ensure safety make sure you don’t click on lucrative, unwanted links that drive you to unsecured websites.?
These links most often come in the form of clickable ads and appear suddenly; these are mostly found on unrecognized websites.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Set Secure Passwords
Having secure passwords is one of the prerequisites of mobile safety. You should have a strong screen lock be it pin, password or pattern, and don’t rely on the face unlock feature, although it is cool but not good enough.?
However, merely setting a phone lock or app lock might not save you from cyber crimes if you are being lousy with your social media and/or banking passwords. It is very important to have a shielded presence on the internet so you are barred from cyber threats.
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Install Apps from Verified Sources
We most often use crack versions of various apps. These crack files could contain viruses, malware, etc. Verified platforms such as Playstore and AppleStore filter most of these Viruses and Malwares so you should use these two platforms exclusively for your application needs.?
To ensure more safety Install Apps only after checking reviews and developer credibility. Hackers and Cybercriminals very often make fake apps under trusted brand names. So check the app and developers before you install them.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Use Two-Factor Authentication
Keeping Screen locks and app locks are crucial and always advised. This can save your device from unauthorized access. Along with this enabling Two-Factor Authentication for your device and applications that come with this feature is a good and advisable practice.?
Make sure you enable Two-Factor Authentication at least for your Google and Facebook accounts. This is very easy to set up, doesn’t take more than 5 minutes, and provides an appreciable amount of safety and security.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Mind the App Permissions
You must allow apps to access only the data that is absolutely needed. For example, an app for Gallery doesn’t need permission for contacts. So, allowing only access to the data related to the motive you installed the app for is advised.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Regularly Check for Security Updates
Devices and apps regularly come up with security updates. These updates close the backdoors of security on your device and applications. If you don’t regularly install these updates your device becomes more vulnerable. Installing these updates is strongly recommended.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Keep a Data Backup
Keeping a data backup is always a plus and makes it very convenient to keep your data handy. Google Cloud, iCloud, etc provides cloud storage features. You can upload all your important files, videos, and photos.?
Google provides 15GB of free space and if needed more it can always be rented easily. And the Two-Factor Authentication adds to the security as well.?
It is advised, for the data that are very important and confidential, to have an offline backup as well. Offline backups are free from intruders, as long as it is with you, and in cases where you can’t access the internet, they can be very useful.?
- ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Turn on Remote Device Locator
In case your mobile phone is lost or stolen, having this feature turned on will help you locate your device and at least access it remotely. You can wipe out all the data stored in your phone so that it does not get into the wrong hands. And as you already have a backup, getting the data back will be super easy.?
This becomes inevitable for those who work through their mobile phones and have confidential data of their organization stored. One small mistake can put the whole organization a stake. (dragontkd.ca) ?
- ? ? ? ? ? Install Anti-Virus Softwares
Antivirus software is not only designed for Desktops, Laptops, or PCs, they are programmed for mobile phones too. Although, unlike Desktops and PCs mobile phones come with their own, inbuilt security software which performs most of the tasks.?
Antivirus software for mobile phones is useful but always optional. As the mobile phone itself is self-sufficient to a great extent. And that is why it is important to regularly check and install the security updates.?
- ? ? ? ? ? Reset your device
Even after following the above precautions, if you feel your device is under threat and feel its security has been compromised, you can reset your phone. Complete data wipeout will erase all the possible, undetected viruses and malware. And as you have a data backup, you can then retrieve your data at any time.?
Conclusion
“Prevention is better than cure”, and with increasing threats to cybersecurity we need to be aware and cautious. The best part about these precautionary steps is that you don?t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it all out. Along with increasing security threats, security precautions have also evolved to become simpler and super convenient.?
Following above mentioned, simple steps will ensure the security of your mobile phone. Again never forget to use VPNs while using a Wi-Fi network and install security updates.?
