Owning a cellphone is something most people view as completely normal. There is an entire generation of children who have never know what life without these devices is like. As time has gone by, the smartphones on the market have become more advanced.
These days, a person can do just about anything they want from their phone. While this can be beneficial, it can also be a bit dangerous due to the sensitive information an individual has on their device. Securing your smartphone is essential when trying to keep hackers at bay, according to daniweb.com.
If you want to learn more about making your smartphone more secure, read the following tips.
source:howtogeek.com
Page Contents
Having a Screen Lock is Important
The popularity of these convenient devices shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. By the year 2024, there are expected to be nearly 300 million smartphone owners in the United States. If you want to keep the sensitive information on your phone secure, the first thing you need to do is enable your screen lock.
source:lifewire.com
Most of these devices allow you to use a screen lock with the click of a button. In order to open a phone with a screen lock, a person will need to put in a numeric code, a particular design, and on some models, a fingerprint. Failing to put this security feature in place on your phone will make it much easier for a criminal to gain the information they are after.
Use Encryption
If you are like most other users you have a lot of information on your device. Most people have credit card numbers saved and a plethora of other sensitive information housed on their phones. Rather than leaving the security of this information to chance, you need to use encryption to protect it.
source:business-reporter.co.uk
Luckily, there are a number of programs on the market that allow you to encrypt the various files on your smartphone. Programs like AutoKrypt are both a reliable and easy to use solution for people who want to encrypt the files on their phone. While you may have to pay a bit of money for an encryption solution, it will be worth it in the long run.
Be Mindful of Your Wireless Connection
One of the biggest benefits of having a smartphone is the freedom to connect it provides. If you are away from home, you will need to use either your cell phone provider network or an open public network to connect to the Internet. When using an open public connection, be very careful about the type of information you transmit.
source:theringer.com
Most public networks have little to no security on them. This means that cyber-criminals will be able to see the information being transmitted on these networks. If you have to use a public network, avoid sending any information that could be used to steal your identity.
Research Apps Before Downloading Them
For years, smartphone enthusiasts have used apps as a way to make their devices more functional. While these programs can be extremely helpful, there are some apps that are filled with malware and other viruses.
source:familytrust.org
Before you download a new app, take some time to research it. Verifying the legitimacy of a particular app can help you avoid having your phone hacked.
Protecting Your Smartphone is Hard Work
Properly securing your smartphone will be a complicated process. The amount of time and effort invested in this security will be worth it considering the problems it can help you to prevent.
