There’s now just too much sensitive personal and professional data which you store on your Smartphone which needs to be securely protected. If this delicate data ever happens to be hacked and accessed by someone who has bad intentions, all of your vital information could be vulnerable and compromised. There are however a few steps that you can take to firmly secure and then lock down your mobile device.
Setting Up A PIN and/or A Password Protection
The easiest way that you can instantly instill an “Iron Clad” smartphone security protection protocol is by creating an uncrackable PIN or a secure password that anyone who uses the smartphone needs to unlock.
This is usually located and accessible on the mobile devices “Settings” tab, this depending on the smartphone model and OS platform. The only option that you may have is creating a secure PIN number. Setting a password is generally considered to be a lot more secure however.
If your smartphone is equipped with Google’s Android OS version 2.2 or later, then you’re also able to set a swipe pattern as well on these devices, this to unlock the smartphone.
What you do is configure Remote Find and then Data Wipe. If you unfortunately happen to lose your smartphone, or if it’s stolen, the remote find and data wipe app will allow you to remotely locate the devices location and then erase all of the information that’s stored on it. It’s also advised that you back up this data on a regular basis as well.
So this way, whoever happens to get access to your mobile won’t be able to access it. What this involves is initially installing the app on the device and then creating an online account from where you’re able to track the smartphones exact location once you’ve misplaced it. Then you can completely wipe its contents as a last resort if you need to.
Warning On Attachments As Well As QR Codes
This is similar to the approach that you most likely are taking when opening any unfamiliar email attachments that you receive from unknown senders on your desktop computer. You should be taking extra precaution while on your smartphone when clicking on or opening any links and files from someone you don’t know.
Otherwise, you could potentially and unknowingly be installing a virus that some unsavory individual has embedded into an attachment designed to steal your data, track your movements, access all of your contacts, and everything else in between.
This also applies to scanning any QR Codes (Quick Response) as well, where hackers are now able to easily infect your device with malware by you clicking on one of these square codes. Make sure that you always practice extreme due diligence, especially as these devices are a lot more portable and vulnerable.
Always Update Your Smartphone Software
Installing security as well as OS updates as they become available are always recommended, as they will often contain updated “fixes” for any security flaws and vulnerabilities. Also make sure that you backup the device regularly, this includes all of your contacts and stored data. So in the event that you ever lose it, you can replace or reinstall that information on the new phone.
Make sure that you download applications directly from the official App stores and no where else. Always look for reviews as well as ratings and complaints before you download an app. Always make sure that you keep them updated after they’re installed as well.
Wi-Fi Security
Always disable any automatic wireless connections on your device, especially if you routinely use free Wi-Fi networks, or if you have a habit of leaving your Wi-Fi connection on. Turning off the devices automatic Wi-Fi connection settings will reduce the risk of hackers who may have created a public Wi-Fi network, designed just to steal personal data that’s traveling over it. For the same reasons, always turn off your Bluetooth as well when it’s not in use.
Always make sure that you keep your smartphone on your person or visible where you can always see it. The best and easiest practice when it comes to smartphone security is to know exactly where it is at all times. When you consider all of the valuable personal as well as the sensitive business data that’s on it, it’s a good idea to know where your smartphone is at all times.