Smartphones have become an integral part of human lives. With it, they are a primary target for cyberattacks, such as phishing and smishing, malware, and other data breaches. Every individual must follow basic security hygiene to ensure their smartphone remains secure.
But what are some of the must-follow tips for the best smartphone security?
Also Read: Mobile Technologies: A Double-Edged Sword for New Generations
Discover some tips to protect your smartphone from growing cybersecurity threats.
It is necessary to secure the confidential information of your mobile device that provides you with many features.
Using Strong Passwords and Passkeys
Having a strong password or passkey is the first line of defense against rising cyberthreats. Make sure to create a password that uses a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
Avoid setting it as something commonly guessable like a birthday or someone’s name. Additionally, set up the biometric authentication to create an additional layer of security.
Frequently Update to Protect Your Smartphone
Updating the operating system (OS), whether it is Android or iOS, is necessary for all smartphones. But sometimes people delay due to a variety of reasons. This leaves the device vulnerable to threats.
Ensure to carry out any security updates that fix the patches. Ease this procedure by setting up automatic updates to protect your smartphone at all times.
Download Apps ONLY from Trusted Sources
Use only official playstores like Apple Store or Google Play to download applications. These platforms check and vet each app before adding it. Do not sideload apps from untrustworthy and unverified sources. This can introduce spyware.
Regularly Check App Permissions
Many apps require access to sensitive data to operate. If downloaded from a trustworthy source, these apps will keep them secure. However, sometimes a random gaming app might request camera and location request.
Revoke any permission request that seems fishy for the app’s functionality.
Become Aware of Different Cyberattacks
Having knowledge on how different types of cyberattacks can occur and present themselves helps protect the device. Read up on how attackers are trying to gain access to your sensitive information.
It is best to avoid clicking on random links in texts or emails.
Back Up Your Data
Finally, even with all security precautions and safety measures, there is still always a chance of a cyberattack. Their attack strategy and strength are steadily improving and ensuring data is not lost is still a key priority.
Regular backing up of the device ensures the data is not lost. Use different cloud services or even an external hard drive for data backups.
