Mobile phones have changed a lot since they were first introduced. While mobile phones initially could not do more than make phone calls, these days, they are a lot more like computers in that they serve as an external backup brain given that they retain so much precious data.
Given that they store so much important information – everything from phone numbers, emails, and passwords, to banking and credit information – it is necessary that you know how to protect your confidential information and keep those assets out of the wrong hands.
Four Main Smartphone Security Issues
For most smartphone owners, there are four essential things you will need to keep in mind to ensure that you work toward the highest level of security. The first is the issue of virus protection which is acknowledging and dealing with the potential that your smartphone is susceptible to hacking and viruses.
The second issue is the question of smartphone privacy – that is, to make sure that your phone’s privacy is protected at all times from a hacker or even a partner, friend, or co-worker is a bit too nosy. The third issue is the question of security.
Your phone holds so much of your valuable personal information, so it often serves as a lifeline and digital wallet for its owners. As a result, it can become a primary target for thieves. The fourth and final issue is that of personal data collection.
Smartphones are a special kind of technology that always tries to collect information about you. Therefore, you will need to determine a level of control over your data and what you are willing to share and not share.
Below are five tips on how to avoid any potential security threats and protect all your essential information; we have got all the necessary recommendations that you will need.
Consider a Burner Number
A great way to ensure phone privacy is to consider using a burner phone or a burner number, a second phone number app that can be used for calling, texting, and picture messaging to help keep you safe and your number anonymous.
When using this app, it reroutes any calls. This option is especially perfect when meeting new acquaintances – whether they be new colleagues, dates, or people you are not entirely sure you want to share your number with. By giving out a burner number, you can protect your information and only give your precious details to those you trust.
Antivirus for Phones
One of the most common threats to computers and smartphones is viruses – many of which your devices can be tainted with when they are asked to download the latest security updates.
If, however, you are unlucky and download a virus, there are great ways to remove hidden malware on your phone. And for extra protection, when you are researching which phone to invest in, do always consider purchasing the most secure option in the first place.
Secure Your Messages
Another essential way to secure your privacy is to utilize strategies meant to keep your texts and phone calls secure. Some ways to do this are by learning how you can hide your text messages or encrypt them.
By using some of the most secure messaging apps – items such as WhatsApp or telegram – you can put any worries about text privacy to rest.
Avoid Phishing Attacks
Privacy is commonly undermined through a process called phishing – this is when hackers and digital thieves use crafty strategies to steal some aspects of your identity, such as your Apple ID, which captures a significant amount of information.
If you are worried about being vulnerable to phishing scams, your first line of defense tends first to delete any suspicious emails, texts, or spam material.
Manage App Permissions
Another great way to protect your smartphone privacy is to think about your app permissions and manage them carefully. For example, when using your rideshare app, do you need to grant it access to your contact list or your calendar?
Not at all! To avoid this, consider revisiting your app permissions and determine which information your app truly needs.
In addition to app permissions, you should also remember that a great way to protect your phone is to clear cookies – the small pieces of data that can reveal an awful lot about your likes, dislikes, and habits – from your phone.
Lock Your Smartphone
Perhaps the most obvious way to protect your smartphone is to lock it so that no one can regularly access your phone beyond the image on your home screen.
You may also want to go the extra mile by using a strong password and two-factor authentication to ensure that no one can get through to the more critical details stored on your phone.
