We always warn you about the latest cyber crimes. Data breaches, ransomware and phishing attacks are constantly in the news.
It is not just criminals who are trying to break into our gadgets. We learned in 2017 that the CIA had been hacking smartphones, TVs and other items to spy on us for years. Knowing that everyone is behind our personal information, it is a good idea to take security precautions.
That’s why it’s important for you to know these seven ways to hack-proof your smartphone to keep your data secure.
1. Update Your Software
One of the most important security precautions as a smartphone user is to keep your operating system (OS) up to date. This is important because, when OS vulnerabilities are discovered, updates are sent that contain patches for those flaws.
This makes it important to install OS updates ASAP. Here are the steps to update both Apple iOS and Android OS:
Apple
Go into your “Settings” app and select “General”. From there, select “Software Update” and your iPhone will start checking for updates. Then, if an update is available, select “Download and Install”.
Android
Open Settings >> Tap About phone >> Tap System update >> If there is an available update then Restart and tap Install.
2. Keep criminals off your phone
If your phone is stolen, the thief can gain access to all the sensitive data stored in it. This means it is important for them to make it as difficult as possible.
Apple
iPhones used to only allow you to create a four-digit passcode for security.
Do the math on that and you’ll find out that only 10,000 passcode combinations are allowed. Now consider that someone watching you can see the simple combination you use to enter your passcode. Or, someone who knows you well may guess your four-digit passcode based on your birthday, street address, or any other PIN you use.
Now, Apple gives you a chance to make stronger choices. You can choose between a four-digit numeric code, a six-digit numeric code, a custom numeric code, or a custom alphanumeric code, and the iPhone X offers facial recognition. These options are more secure than the basic four digit option.
Go to Settings >> Touch ID & Passcode (Note: iPhone X will be Face ID & Passcode) >> Tap on Turn on Passcode >> Enter Six Digit Passcode or Tap on Passcode option and choose from the options we have Listed above >> Enter your passcode again to confirm and activate it.
3. Use phone locating apps
Losing your phone or getting it stolen is scary. There’s so much personal data stored in it that you don’t want it to fall into the wrong hands. If this unfortunate situation happens to you, there are apps that will help you track down your gadget.
Apple
Find My iPhone: This is a free app that you can download from the App Store. If you lose your phone, you can log into your Apple ID account from another device and see a map of where it is. Getting the phone back is great, but the real saving grace is being able to clean the phone; This app allows you to erase all the content and settings of your phone.
Android
Android Device Manager: This is a free app that you can download from the Google Play Store. If you lose your phone, you can log into your Google Account from another device and see a map of where it is. This app also allows you to wipe the phone, erase all your phone data and reset your lock screen passcode.
4. Download Only Trusted Apps
Whenever you want to download an app, make sure it is from a trusted source. Third-party apps don’t go through the rigorous security checks that apps found in Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store do. This means that third-party apps can be malicious and infect your phone with malware.
App Store – Stay away from third party app stores. There are a few examples of malicious apps in the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, but they are very rare. Third-party app stores rarely check apps, making it easy for scammers to spread malware there.
Check App Developer – It is important to verify the name of the app developer. Copycat apps will have a different developer name than the actual developer. Before you download the app, do a Google search to find the original developer.
Reviews – Most of the popular apps will be reviewed by other users in the App Store. You can sometimes find reviews by experts online. These are helpful in pinpointing malicious or faulty apps. If you get a review warning that the app is malicious, don’t download it.
Leave a Reply