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While you realize the importance of safe computer use and what negligence can end up being, you often forget that you need to be just as concerned about the safety of your smartphone. You access the Internet on it, too, and use it more often than on computers. So smartphones are vulnerable too, even more so than computers, because you can use them literally anywhere. Not only is your phone vulnerable to viruses or hacking, but it can easily fall into the wrong hands. So how do you keep your smartphone safe in 2023? Here are the steps you should take to keep your phone safe.
1. lock code and auto-lock
It’s an indispensable item in case your phone is stolen, lost or left unattended somewhere even for a while. Thanks to a set lock with a PIN, password, fingerprint or face scan (the possibilities depend on the model of the smartphone), an unauthorized person will not activate it. However, it is also very important to set an auto-lock. The idea is that the phone should go into a screen-locked state on its own if it is lost or left unattended. If the smartphone was left unlocked in such a situation, the crook would have a free path to your data. It is better to prevent this and set a time after which the screen will automatically lock. It can be 15 seconds or even 2 minutes, but preferably as short as possible.
2. installation of antivirus software
Yes, you also need to have an antivirus program on your smartphone. It’s not hard for your phone to get infected because you download a lot of apps to it or receive various messages that may contain suspicious links, when you click on them, malware is installed without your knowledge. The most popular antivirus programs have versions for mobile devices. First of all, an antivirus is a must on android smartphones, as it has an open architecture, making it more susceptible to infection, as it is easier for cybercriminals to create malware for it.
3. download applications only from certain sources
Apps should only be downloaded from the most popular Google and Microsoft stores. Owners of iOS phones, on the other hand, should only download apps from the Apple store, as it is not only a reliable store in terms of security, but also in terms of adapting apps to iOS. These three stores thoroughly examine all apps for malware, and if there are problems, they respond quickly. It’s also a good idea to check an app’s rating and user reviews before downloading it, especially the latest ones.
4. restricting permissions to applications
When first launched, each application asks for permission for various actions. Without this permission, you can’t use the app or all of its functions don’t work. Many apps require internet access to function, and many also want to run in the background and send you notifications on the main screen. It’s not uncommon for apps to also ask for location access. It’s worth noting whether a request is unusual for a particular app. If a map app is asking for location access, meant to serve as a GPS, this is fine, but if a calculator is asking for it, for example, this is already suspicious.
5. update the system regularly
Just as on computers you need to update Windows regularly, on phones you need to update Android and iOS. Of course, there are times when such updates can mess up something else, but each update brings with it bug fixes and security improvements. You can possibly wait 1-2 days with an update to track user feedback about what happened to them after installing it. However, you should not wait long with the installation.
6. avoiding suspicious links
It’s not just on computers that you’re exposed to suspicious links. After all, you also receive emails on smartphones, plus you still have SMS and social networking apps where you can also receive messages. In any place you can receive a suspicious link. Unfortunately, on smartphones it is much more difficult than on computers to suspect where a link will redirect you. If you don’t understand what the message is about, it’s better not to respond to it and click on the links. Opening such a link could result in malware being installed on your phone or accessing your data.
7. phone encryption
While most people are mindful of antivirus, locks, app control or avoiding links, few are aware of the possibility of encrypting their phone. Unfortunately, even with a password-protected phone, it is possible for a thief to connect your smartphone to a computer and rip your data. The iOS system has additional security features, but even so, on iPhones too, it is worth remembering to encrypt your files. This gives much more security, because encrypted files cannot be opened so easily by a thief.
8. avoiding unsecured WiFi networks
On your smartphone, only use mobile internet from your carrier. Avoid unknown and unsecured WiFi networks with passwords. First: just searching for a network reveals where you are and identifies your phone, and second: connecting to an unsecured network, especially automatically, can make it easier for scammers to phish your data. So turn off automatic connection to WiFi and delete networks from your phone’s memory that you don’t intend to use anytime soon. If you do need to use such a network, avoid logging into social networking apps, much less banking apps or online wallets. Also, always remember to log out of any app, as well as set more difficult passwords and PINs for apps. Also turn off the internet on your smartphone, especially WiFi, when you’re not using it.
9. disabling Bluetooth
While Bluetooth is a very useful feature because it allows you to easily send, for example, photos or videos, without needing the recipient’s phone number, it is very easy for a hacker to bypass and get into your smartphone through it. You should also ignore the pairing of other, unknown devices with your phone. If you didn’t plan to connect to anyone via Bluetooth, don’t do it. It’s best to have Bluetooth turned off altogether and only use it when you really need it.
10. avoid saving passwords in the browser and applications
For security reasons, on most sites and in almost every application you have to create an account and log in each time with a password. This generates the need to remember very many passwords, which is not easy for everyone. This is understandable, especially since everyone is aware that passwords must be made as difficult as possible. But still, passwords must not be saved in browsers or applications. In particular, passwords and PINs for banking apps and sites or online wallets must not be saved anywhere. It’s best to log out of any app you don’t use every day. And if you do need to save your passwords somewhere so you don’t forget them, use a password manager where they will be completely safe.
11. installation of remote phone cleaning application
The iOS system has such a function implemented, but on Android this is no longer the case. So it’s worth installing such an app for yourself. Most of them can even locate your phone. However, if this function fails then there is always the possibility to wipe your phone and your data will be safe.
12. regular backups
It’s a good idea to make regular backups with your phone’s data so that you can easily recover it in case of problems. It is best to store such a backup in the cloud, so that you can also access it from a new device in case there is a need to buy one, due to the old one going missing or breaking down completely.
Remember corporate smartphone security
Do you run a company and provide employees with company smartphones? Remember about their security as well. In a company, smartphones are part of the network and employees also access the company’s Internet on them. That’s why it’s a good idea to take care of high-quality equipment and internet connection. It is advisable to use the services of good companies that will provide high quality and secure services. Such a company is ITH. Using the services of ITH, you can be sure that your data and that of your employees and customers will be fully secure.
Remember that smartphones are more powerful devices than desktop computers of the past, so no matter what model and brand of smartphone you have, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to security and blow your mind to avoid serious trouble.