Smartphones have become our diaries, wallets, entertainment, and personal safes. People use them for work, play, business, and everything in between. But is your smartphone data safe? And can hackers access your private information?
Unfortunately, smartphones are seen as an easy target because they are mostly unprotected and provide a way into your private data. In short, as a working professional with a smartphone, you may be a high-value target.
But the good thing is there are ways to increase your phone’s privacy and security.
How to protect your smartphone privacy
Use phone locks
Locking your phone seems obvious, but some people still don’t do it. Using the phone lock should be the first step in your defense arsenal. Just doing this may give you enough time to wipe or block any sensitive information if your phone is ever stolen.
Your options may vary depending on your phone. Still, the best phone lock for your smartphone is the old PIN code or modern biometrics like fingerprints. Other phone locks, like patterns, can be easily hacked or guessed.
Also, remember to keep your phone close to you in public because physical access is the easiest way for someone to gain access to your phone.
Download apps from official app stores
Apps from third-party app stores may contain malware and viruses, giving hackers an easy way in. On the other hand, your phone’s app store provides protection against viruses. Yes, some shady apps also may make it to your phone’s app store, but Google algorithms regularly scan installed apps to ensure they are still safe. Third-party app sources can’t promise you that kind of security and privacy.
Speaking of apps, get rid of the old ones you are not using and always update the ones that you have.
Use a VPN
It is usually recommended to use public WiFi with caution. Hackers may easily access your private details because public networks have very few security measures. But if you must do your business online using shared WiFi, use a VPN.
VPNs add an extra layer of privacy protection to your internet connection. A VPN hides your internet connection from snoopers, allowing you to connect safely when using unsecured networks at cafés, airports, and hotels, among other places. However, remember to use trusted VPN services only.
Avoid charging your smartphone in public ports
It may come as a surprise, but charging your phone in public places also makes it susceptible to hackers.
Charging ports in shopping centers, conference halls, or transit stations do more than charge your phone — they can transmit data. A compromised outlet can give hackers access to your emails, files, photos, or contacts. According to Krebs on Security, this is called juice jacking.
Enable ‘Find My Device’ and ‘Remote Wipe’
The “Find My Device” feature is one of the most powerful ways to secure your phone and its data. As the name suggests, if you lose your phone in public, this feature can help you track it using its GPS.
Some phones have this as a built-in feature, but you can also download a third-party app if your phone isn’t one of them.
Another essential feature is the “Remote Wipe” feature. Remote Wipe allows you to wipe all data from your phone if you are sure someone has stolen it and you don’t want them accessing your private data.
Install security software
Anti-virus software and security apps help your phone detect malware and bugs. Your phone’s app store provides sufficient protection from typical malware, but you may still need extra cybersecurity. In addition, you can use firewall apps to ensure no apps are receiving or sending data without your permission.
Securing your smartphone
There are several ways to make your phone secure online. Besides the mentioned ways, you should also avoid rooting or jailbreaking your phone, encrypt hotspots, use different passwords for each site or app, and avoid oversharing online, among other tips.
To protect your data online, always try to leave little or no breadcrumbs for snoopers and hackers. When you lose control over your online privacy, anyone with ill intentions can use your personal information to serve their goals, whether it’s selling you an overpriced ticket or stealing your savings.
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