At the moment, there are more smartphones in the world than people. These devices have become our faithful companions, so they have a lot of information about us. That being so, have you ever thought about the security of your smartphone?
There is a lot of important information on your smartphone. From the contacts of your family and friends, to your agenda, work documents or direct access to social media and apps with sensitive data such as bank details. For this reason, threats to mobile devices have grown considerably in recent years.
How to shield your smartphone?
Unauthorized people can access your smartphone physically or digitally. This is why it is important to implement certain measures to limit potential third-party access to your device.
Fortunately, there are several ways to shield your smartphone. Here are some of the measures you can take to improve its security
- Set a password lock on the device
This is perhaps the first level of security you can set on your smartphone, but still very useful. It is the initial barrier you put in place to prevent an unauthorized third party from accessing the contents of your phone.
It is a mechanism that requires users to enter a password (PIN or pattern) to access the device. It is also an option that can be used to lock devices in case of theft or loss. It is recommended to complement it with an encryption of the device’s internal memory and card memory.
- Install a remote data wipe app
Another way to secure your smartphone is to install an application that allows you to remotely erase the data on your device and restore it to factory settings. This is an option that can be applied when your phone is lost or stolen, as it ensures that your information does not fall into the hands of third parties.
In addition to wiping, these applications could include a function to locate the smartphone, even if the GPS is disabled; sound a loud alarm even if the device is silent, lock the smartphone from any browser or obtain a backup.
- Make frequent backups
The security of your smartphone, and the information it holds, also depends on the precautions you take. For this reason, we recommend backing up your data frequently. In this way, you guarantee that you will not lose the information even if you no longer have the phone.
There are several ways to do this backup. The best option is to use a reliable cloud service and set up a backup on a regular basis. However, you can also do it by connecting the device to the computer to recharge it.
- Avoiding public WiFi
I know it can be very tempting to take advantage of the free Internet at the coffee shop you always visit or the mall. But you should know that public or open networks, even if they have a password for connection, are vulnerable to external attacks. If there is one, it will affect everyone connected.
If you cannot avoid it, we recommend you to use it but only to access services without a password. Never connect to a public Wifi to do banking, access your social networks or download confidential documents.
- Download apps only from trusted sites
You may not know it, but installing mobile apps from unknown sites is one of the main sources of smartphone infections. For this reason, if you want to keep your device safe, you should download apps only from trusted sites such as the App Store or Google Play.
Never install programs downloaded directly from P2P or forums, as there is a high risk of encountering Trojans. Also, you should know that downloading cracked applications has its dangers, such as downloading spyware or defective programs.
- Keeping software up to date
Smartphone operating systems have updating systems that are frequently sent to users. It is essential to implement the available software updates, as this corrects security errors and avoids infections.
However, you should check the type of update. Minor updates focus on resolving bugs and improving security, while major updates involve significant software modifications. The latter may require other hardware features.
If you take into account these recommendations, you will be able to shield your smartphone and consequently improve its security. If you want to know more about the mobile world, Movical offers you the information you are looking for. Keep up to date with the latest news in the sector by visiting our blog.