Cyber attacks are a real threat to businesses and individuals alike. In 2015, CNN reported that nearly 1 million new malware threats are released daily. In 2017, these types of cyberattacks are still a threat. Today, most people spend more time browsing the Internet on their phones than they do on their desktop computers, but many people still fail to secure their mobile devices. Keep your phone safe from hackers and cyberattacks with these six security tips.
Keep Your Software Updated
Software updates can be a pain, but there’s a good reason to ensure your operating system and apps are all up to date. One of the ways hackers get into mobile devices is through holes or bugs in old software programs. Software updates help patch these holes and make it harder for hackers to get in. To keep your phone’s software up-to-date, enable automatic app updates, and be sure to take advantage of any operating system updates your service provider offers.
Install an Antivirus App
It sounds like a no-brainer, but according to CNBC, only 14 percent of people actually install antivirus apps on their phones. There’s no reason your phone shouldn’t be protected. Free apps like Avast Antivirus and Security will scan your apps and URLs for malware and even allow you to PIN protect private apps. You can also scan Wi-Fi to improve security. The pro version offers more features, as will paid versions of other antivirus apps, but if money is the main factor in going without protection, the least you can do is download a free security app and utilize the simple features it offers.
Lock Your Phone
It’s another no-brainer when it comes to mobile phone security, but still half of Android users opt out of using a password, PIN, pattern, or fingerprint to secure their mobile devices. You may not think it matters much. Any attacker is going to get in through malware or other types of wireless attacks, right? Wrong.
Cell phone thefts are incredibly common. In major cities, up to 40 percent of robberies involve cell phones. It’s possible for these thieves to use the information stored on your device to steal your identity or make fraudulent online purchases. It’s not just about theft, either. Mobile phones are easy to lose, and if the wrong person picks it up, they can use your personal information for their own gain. Locking your phone is just the first step in mitigating your risk of these people accessing your device’s data.
Install Software for Lost Devices
Another way to reduce your risk of physical attacks if your phone is lost or stolen is to install software that can find your phone as well as wipe the information on it remotely. If you’re on Android, chances are you already have these capabilities enabled. With Android Device Manager, you can locate your lost phone with accuracy up to 20 meters, make it ring, lock the screen, or erase the data, all remotely. You simply have to log in to the Google account associated with your device from another computer to access these features.
Avoid Third-Party Apps
One of the bigger vulnerabilities with mobile phones is third-party apps. It’s not always clear which apps are safe to use and which ones might be malicious. If you’re using an iPhone, the good news is that you can only download apps from iTunes. Since these apps have been vetted by the iTunes store, there’s a lower risk of downloading a malicious app.
That’s not true for Android users. Most apps on the Google Play store should be safe, but Android users don’t have to stick with Google Play. They can download third-party apps at any time, and that puts them at risk. If you decide to install a third-party app, be smart about it and research the app to ensure what you’re downloading is safe.
Note: It’s never a smart idea to “jailbreak” your phone to open it to third-party apps since it puts you at risk of even more security vulnerabilities.
Use a VPN
One of the best ways to secure yourself when browsing the Internet is to use a virtual private network (VPN). This reduces your vulnerability to cyberattacks, especially when accessing the Internet over public networks.
A virtual private network is a service that routes your data through their servers first to encrypt your data and conceal your IP address. This makes it incredibly difficult for hackers who are using public Wi-Fi networks to get ahold of your data. Try to find the best VPN for Android - it’ll will cost a small monthly fee, but it’s worth the price to keep your Internet browsing secure in public. If you’re using an iOS/iPhone - take a look at this VPN comparison.
Whether you’re updating your software or getting a VPN, there’s more you can do to secure your mobile phone. Which steps will you take to keep your information out of hackers’ hands?