The Common Risks
Our mobile phones are always exposed to all kinds of risks. Here are few a few of these issues:
Losing your mobile phone from robbery
Leave your mobile phone unattended, even for a few minutes could cost you. In addition to the initial cost of replacing your device, there is a chance of exposing private information. All it takes are a few hours for criminals to remove the stored passwords, access the phone book, pictures and valuable information about your bank account. Then continue to blackmail and confuse you and harass your contacts.
Social Scams
This is one of the most popular techniques for fraudsters. They send texts messages that require taking action or email with links that are contaminated. Sometimes, they even have the boldness to call you with untrue stories in an effort to elicit personal information from you and defraud you with it.
Oversharing
Treat your mobile phone in the same way you treat your laptop when it comes to sharing. Or better yet, be careful when you give your phone out to your friends even for a few minutes. Why is this? Because your location can be traced through your mobile phone and could allow immediate distribution of info.
Wireless network
Your mobile phone and personal information are vulnerable to hacking when you connect to an unsecured and public network. Using public wifi is not safe and you should avoid this as much as possible.
SIMPLE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR PHONE AND INFORMATION
Your smartphone can be worth more than your wallet in most cases because it might contain very sensitive information that could be detrimental to personal and financial safety and security if it is exposed. Sometimes, we have the nagging feeling that we are not doing enough to protect our devices outside and this feeling should be taken more serious, and we should take steps to protect our phones. Here are some tips to help you secure your phone more and avoid messages, sensitive data, information and important pictures from falling into the wrong hands:
Update Your Smartphone
If you’re the type who ignores updates, it’s time to stop. These updates not only add interesting functionality to the phone[1] but also protect adding new security features. In addition, most of these updates are the developer’s answers to the problems that affect the phone in its current state, so go ahead and do the needful.
Install Security Software
Although your phone developer might have added some security applications to your phone, much of your information is still exposed. You can take an additional step to secure your phone by installing a security software like a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A good VPN[2] will protect your smartphone by encrypting data and information you send and receive on your phone and prevent the growing incidence of computer malware and hacking. In addition, it would also keep hackers and eavesdroppers away. Most of this security software, like VPN, automatically saves data and helps the authorities to track your mobile phone if it is stolen.
Install SIM lock
With securing your phone, make sure the SIM card is locked if it is important to you. SIM lock (sometimes called a SIM PIN or SIM Security) is especially important if you are related to a contract with no restrictions.
Disable programs from unreliable sources and don’t root or jailbreak
Although it can often be a good idea to download and install programs that are not in the App Store or Google Play Store, these programs tend to be those that are less safe. Google, Apple and Microsoft, as well as the likes of blackberry, keep an eye on the applications included on their websites. (Please know that you can remove the application before installation.)
Use an application to unlock
One essential that may be particularly important in protecting messages and images is to add another layer of security. If you have access to the code that manages to get into the wrong hands, your data may be at risk. Featured photo credit: DigitalTrends via digitaltrends.com
