Last Updated on January 21, 2023 by Faiza Murtaza
For years, mobile phone security has been an underrated danger. Mobile Security seems like one of those subjects that aren’t a concern until it is, and when it is, it’s big trouble. Every valuable bit of information and accessibility is now in our hands, on our phones.
As hackers move their attention to smartphones, learn how to reduce the risk they pose. Today’s mobile phone includes a networked computer, a camera, a video/audio recorder, a data storage device, and a navigational device. It functions as a portable bank, social networking hub, and photo gallery – which is fantastic. Until you get hacked.
These valuable features make our mobile devices very appealing targets for hackers. Now, what should we do to be secure if we don’t want to abandon the comfort of having all of our daily needs on one device?
The answer is mobile security – securing your phone from malicious threats.
What is Mobile Security?
The process of securing mobile devices from a wide range of cyber attack vectors that compromise users’ privacy, finances, login credentials, and safety is referred to as mobile security. It comprises several technologies, controls, policies, and best practices. Cellular guard shields us from all types of threats.
What are Mobile Security Threats?
A cyber assault that involves mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets is known as a mobile security threat. It is identical to a hacking assault on a Computer or corporate server, takes use of flaws in mobile software, hardware, and network services to allow malicious, unauthorized operations on the target device.
This article will list the must-have mobile security features to secure your phone against these threats.
8 Must-Have Mobile Security Features to Keep Your Phone Secure
Use Screen Lock
If your smartphone is stolen, the criminal will have complete access to personal data. You can avoid this by ensuring that you are using a screen lock. It’s entirely on you and your device’s features to choose the best phone lock – be it a passcode, pattern, fingerprint, or facial recognition. You may specify how long the device can be inactive when you enable a lock screen. Make sure to select the shortest period. It will guard you by activating the lock screen immediately, even if you fail to lock it yourself. It will also save your battery by turning off the screen when a specific time has passed.
Set App Passwords
Your phone screen is locked. What is next? Set up app passwords. It will be tough for a hacker to access your apps if you choose strong app passwords. Also, it is a good idea to give each app its own password. In this manner, if one password is cracked, the rest of the phone is secured, and the hacker will not access all the data.
Update Device’s OS Frequently
Updates to your smartphone’s operating system are meant to boost the device performance. These updates include everything from performance to security. Even when these updates come daily, and users tend to click through quickly or ask the device to remember them in the future, it is crucial to be on top of them. With these releases, both Android and iOS devices can be protected from newly found malware. Go to about phone or general and tap system updates or software update to see if your device’s OS is up to date.
Use VPN to Connect Public Wifi
Connect to a VPN to ensure safety when using public Wifi. You may protect your location and data from illegal access by switching your virtual network. On the other hand, to prevent others from accessing your network, ensure your Wifi is protected as well.
Download Securely
When installing apps, make sure you get them from well-known and legal app stores and read the reviews. Cybercriminals construct rogue mobile apps that imitate prominent businesses to collect sensitive information. Check the number of reviews, the most recent update, and the organization’s contact information before downloading.
Don’t Root or Jailbreak Your Device.
When you root or jailbreak your mobile, you unlock it and bypass the manufacturer’s security measures, allowing you to access anything you want. When it seems tempting to root or jailbreak your mobile device to have access to app shops other than the official ones. It also puts your phone in grave danger. These unauthorized marketplaces sell both legal and illegal apps and can simply hack into your phone and steal your data.
Encrypt Your Data
Your mobile device has a lot of data on it. Your contacts, emails, bank information, personal photographs, and more could be at risk if it is stolen or lost. So, it is critical to encrypt your data to secure it. Encrypted data is stored in an unreadable format that cannot be deciphered. Here is how to activate encryption on your iPhone and Android.
For iPhone: Head to the settings menu, select Touch ID & Passcode to check if your iOS phone is already encrypted. You will be required to add the lock screen passcode. Then go to the bottom of the page to see Data Protection is enabled.
For Android: Make sure your android phone is at least 80% charged, and then unroot it before proceeding. Now, head over to security, then select Encrypt Phone. You might lose all your data if your phone is not charged. It may also interrupt the encryption process as it can take up to an hour to complete.
Download Antivirus Software
You’ve definitely heard of antivirus software for laptops and desktop computers, but they can also help your mobile phones. Viruses and hacking attempts can be protected with these apps. Download a well-reviewed antivirus software on your phone and run it regularly to remove malware and reduce hacking attempts.
To Summarize
It’s time to take mobile security risks more seriously as hackers continue to target mobile devices. Mobile phones are equally as vulnerable as PCs and other types of computer hardware, if not more so. Malware, network attacks, social engineering, cyber-attacks, and physical theft are all risks they face. Be someone with a strategy, whether you’re in charge of an organization’s security or just want to keep your personal electronics safe. Begin with risk awareness training and strong security rules, and work your way up to more technical defenses.
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