Mobile devices can not only keep you connected to the world, but also store a lot of personal information. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your smartphone’s security. In this article, we’ll discuss 15 smartphone security tips to help you do just that.
Why it’s “smart” to use smartphone security features
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to target smartphones, and as operating systems become more complex, it becomes easier for them to find vulnerabilities to exploit. This is why having a secure smartphone is so important.
3 ways smartphones are likely to be compromised
With so much personal and financial information stored on our phones, it’s important to be aware of the risks. Here are three ways your cell phone and mine are likely to be compromised:
- Operating system vulnerabilities: Whether it’s an outdated version of the open-source iOS or Android operating system or a malicious app that slipped through the cracks, operating system vulnerabilities can leave your phone open to attack .
- Banking information: If your phone is hacked, your banking information could be exposed. This could lead to fraud or identity theft, and it could also drain your bank account.
- Wrong hands: Even if your phone is protected by a password or a fingerprint sensor, there’s always the risk of it falling into the wrong hands. If your phone is lost or stolen, a thief could access all of your personal information.
15 tips to keep your smartphone safe
Your smartphone is one of the most personal devices you own and contains a lot of private data. It’s important to make sure your Apple iPhone, Android device, or other smartphone is as secure as possible. Here are some tips to help give you the most secure phone possible:
1. Lock your phone with a PIN, pattern or password
One way to have a secure phone is to lock it with a PIN, pattern or password. That way, if it ever falls into the wrong hands, security features like this will keep your phone protected and the person won’t be able to access your data or apps.
2. Create strong passwords
Always create strong and unique passwords for personal use. Avoid using words or phrases that are easy to guess, such as your name or date of birth. Also, don’t use the same password for all your accounts. If one account is compromised, all other accounts are also at risk.
3. Keep your operating system and applications up to date
Make sure you have the latest version of your operating system and apps. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit, so companies come up with security updates to help keep your phone more secure.
4. Install antivirus software
Another way to have a secure smartphone is to install a reputable antivirus software. This will help protect your phone from malware and other threats.
5. Set up remote wipe in case your phone is lost or stolen
If your phone is ever lost or stolen, you can remotely wipe all data from your device to prevent anyone from accessing your personal information. Most smartphones have this feature built in, and some phones have hardware-based kill switches.
6. Don’t store sensitive data on your phone
You should not store sensitive data on your phone, such as your social security number or credit card information. If your phone is ever lost or stolen, this information could fall into the wrong hands.
7. Avoid clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources
If you receive a text message from an unknown number with a link, don’t click on it. It could be a phishing attempt to get your personal information.
8. Hide messages on iPhone and Android phone
For iPhone or Android devices, you can choose to hide message previews from the lock screen so that no one can see them unless they unlock your phone.
9. Be careful with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections
Public WI-FI networks have security issues, so avoid doing things like online banking or shopping on these networks. And avoid pairing your phone with unknown Bluetooth devices as they could be used to hack your phone.
10. Use authentication technology
There are many authentication options available to help keep your phone secure, such as two-factor authentication or biometric authentication. They add an extra layer of security to your device.
11. Download apps only from trusted sites
Download apps for your phone only from trusted sites, such as the Apple App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Android phones. Unknown websites that offer third-party apps can be malicious for your mobile device.
12. Make sure apps don’t access permission settings
When you install an app, check what permission settings it asks for. If an app doesn’t need certain permissions, such as location services, don’t give it access.
13. Use your smartphone’s privacy and security settings
Most smartphones have built-in privacy and security settings that you can customize to your liking. You can choose to have a lock code, fingerprint sensor, or facial recognition technology to unlock your phone.
14. Audit your smartphone app’s privacy and permissions
You should regularly audit your smartphone’s privacy and permissions to make sure nothing has changed without your knowledge. This will help you spot potential security risks.
15. Protect yourself against SIM swapping
SIM swapping attacks are a type of identity theft where someone accesses your phone using your SIM card. You can protect yourself from this by setting a PIN code for your SIM card or by using a service like Google’s Project Fi that has built-in security features.
What are the most secure smartphones?
With so many choices for smartphones, how do you know which phones are the most secure? We’ve done the work for you with this list of five of the most secure smartphones on the market:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max. The iPhone 13 Pro Max uses Apple’s iCloud Private Relay for online security, which allows users to browse the Internet without being tracked by sites. There were also rules that were implemented in iOS 14 that limited the collection of user data by app makers.
- Google Pixel 6. With its Pixel 6 equipped with the Android operating system and the Google Tensor system on a chip (SoC), Google takes a multi-layered approach to security. The Pixel 6 uses TrustZone technology, which allows you to store important data in a highly secure area of the smartphone
- Purism Librem 5. This phone has three hardware switches. One disables the camera and microphone, the second disables power to any wireless adapters, and the third stops all network connectivity including GPS.
- Sirin Labs Finney. In addition to its layered cybersecurity suite, this blockchain smartphone is equipped with a 24/7 intrusion prevention system and a cryptocurrency wallet hidden behind a retractable screen on the back of the phone.
- Bittium Tough Mobile 2C. Here is a secure smartphone that comes with two operating systems to ensure data separation. Other security features include a YubiKey 5 NFC security key to support 2FA and always-on VPN.
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