Whether you use your phone for work activities or just for social media, you definitely won’t be jumping around happily if it were to be hacked. However, as technology advances and more mobile applications evolve, cyber-attack risks increase. That’s why we’ve scoured the internet for tips to help you keep your phone as secure and private as possible.
Official app stores or nothing
You might have seen some app download ‘hacks’ that tell you to opt for other app stores aside from your official app store. One thing about this practice is that it takes your phone out of the protection of Google Play or the Apple App Store.
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Under the guise of a legitimate app, malicious apps on these unofficial app stores get into your phone and compromise your data by running in the background. Any app that isn’t available on your phone’s official app store isn’t worth downloading in the first place.
Eliminate those old apps
We’ve all downloaded apps, put in our personal info to sign up, and then forget them because they weren’t what we needed. These old or unused apps can be a security threat as they may store data off your phone.
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That’s why it’s a good idea for you to delete these applications and delete the accounts associated with them so any off-phone record is also destroyed. Make it a habit to check your phone for apps you’re not using and delete them.
The basics shouldn’t be skipped
As much as many people see them as useless, basic protective measures like your fingerprint, pattern, and PIN are essential. In case of issues like theft or loss, these measures will serve as a first line of defense for your device.
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To tighten your security, make use of strong PINs and passwords, not your date of birth or nickname that your friends or coworkers can easily guess. Also, use two-factor authentication on all apps that offer it on your phone.
The ultimate mask
Most of us don’t think twice before connecting to a public Wi-Fi, but you really should. The fact that it’s a public network already tells you there is little or no security against snooping. So does this mean no more Wi-Fi connection?
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Of course not. Whenever you decide to use a Wi-Fi connection at a hotel, cafe, airport, or anywhere else, make sure you use a VPN. Simply put, VPNs keep your phone’s data private by masking any public footprints.
Have the emergency key around
Imagine losing your phone and the thousands of pictures aren’t the biggest problem but the confidential company info that might get you in professional issues. In such a situation, the best solution is locking or wiping your phone remotely.
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Your data will still be in the cloud for you to restore if you do regular backups, so you don’t have to worry. Whether you use an Android or iPhone, check their step-by-step guide to remotely lock or wipe your phone- and memorize it.