10 Tips to Secure Your Mobile Devices

secure your mobile devices

Most everyone who uses computers realizes that desktop PCs and laptops can become infected with viruses or be hacked, however, not as many realize that smartphones are prone to getting viruses too. The very features that make our lives easier each day by allowing us to do online banking, check our emails, and store photos and other personal information can also make our smartphones prone to getting viruses or being infected with malicious software. Because your smartphone is really a small, portable computer, you should take the appropriate measures to make sure that you do not acquire any of these viruses or become the next victim of identity theft.

Here are 10 useful tips to help keep your phone and other mobile devices safe.

1) Protect Your Phone As You Would Your Wallet Or Purse

Keeping your phone with you at all times is always a smart idea. Never let it fall into the hands of someone who might gain access to your information stored on the phone. Don’t leave it lying around where someone might gain access to its contents. For security reasons, take advantage of the security features offered with your phone, such as setting a password that must be entered to gain access to the phone . The password will also help protect your information if ever you were to lose your phone or have it stolen. It is also advisable to place a PIN on your SIM card to prevent anyone from using up you data minutes or running up a large phone bill if the phone becomes lost or stolen.

2) Use The Same Precautions As You Would With An Actual Computer

Follow common sense rules as you would with a regular desktop or laptop computer, like making sure the websites you visit are authentic, avoiding clicking on links from unknown senders, and not supplying personal information through voicemails, emails, or texts to avoid phishing scams. As touched on above, familiarize yourself with all of your phone’s security settings and use them regularly.

3) Install Reputable Security Software

Check with the manufacturer of your smartphone to see what type of security software they recommend. Then, install an anti-virus, anti-theft, firewall, and anti-malware program if they are available for your particular operating system. Check regularly for operating system updates and install them as soon as possible to help keep your phone safe. You can also opt to install a face recognition software for additional protection of your mobile devices.

4) Only Leave Bluetooth On When In Use

Bluetooth allows for wireless connectivity between two or more devices and can transfer information between them. However, Bluetooth can also make you more vulnerable to hackers because it allows them to see and find your phone. When you are not actively using a Bluetooth connection, make sure to switch your phone back into “hidden” mode so that hackers cannot easily detect it or connect to it. Also, when connecting to Bluetooth, do so discreetly and not in open public places where someone may oversee what you are doing.

5) Using WiFi

Try to connect to encrypted networks when out and about and using WiFi. If you happen to be using public WiFi hot spots, make sure to avoid performing such actions as online banking while in use. Also, change your setting so that your phone asks for and requires your permission to join a new wireless network to help keep your phone and information safe.

[Read also: How to Locate Free WiFi Wherever You Go]

6) Keep Your Information Secure

stay smart when using smartphone

Avoid performing such actions as mobile banking in crowded public places, as some people can easily glance over your shoulder and gain valuable information. Never store PIN numbers or passwords on your phone where someone could find them and figure them out and use them to gain access to your important accounts and information. Back up your phone’s data to a computer regularly to prevent loss should something unfortunate happen. If applicable, encrypt your phone’s data or memory card to secure the data should you fall victim to theft, or lose your phone.

[Read also: How to Secure Data On Your Cell Phone]

7) Only Download Reliable, Safe Apps

So many of us use apps in our daily lives, just make sure to choose safe ones that will not compromise your phone. If you download an unsavory app, you could be putting your contacts and messages at risk, as well as revealing your location to shady characters. For this reason, only download apps from your phone’s app store, or from sites you know and trust.

8) Beware Of Malicious Software

Be on high alert for any time you are asked if you wish to allow a particular software to run or install on your phone. If you are uncertain about what it is, don’t allow it, it may be malware. Be aware of any signs of malware, such as large increase in data usage or phone bill with no understood reason as to why, “sent” messages you never sent, and any changes in the user interface not performed by you.

9) Turn Off GPS When Not In Use And Sign Out Of Websites You Visit

For extra security measures to keep your phone safe, make sure to turn off your GPS when not in use, as this can reveal your location to hackers. Make sure to sign off of any websites you have signed into to keep your information safe should your phone become lost or stolen. Also, never store a password as this makes your phone an easier target for hackers should it fall into their hands.

10) Be Prepared For If Your Phone Is Ever Lost Or Stolen

Make sure to have the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of your device written down and stored safely, somewhere other than your phone. This way, should your phone be lost or stolen, you can immediately contact your provider and let them know what has happened. In many cases, the provider may be able to track your phone and erase the information in it remotely to prevent it falling into the wrong hands. Here’s how to find the IMEI number on a mobile phone.

Conclusion

Stay smart when using your smartphone. Follow these simple steps to prevent your phone from getting hacked and to keep your valuable information safe.

[Suggested reading: How to Protect Your Apple Devices from Being Hacked]

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