Smartphones have evolved by leaps and bounds over the years. Now you can use your phones for just about anything – from paying bills to checking important emails and storing sensitive data and media. There is not much that smartphones cannot do.
With this type of technological advance, the risks have also skyrocketed. This means that the small device that fits so comfortably in your hands will put you at great risk if you let your guard down and get stolen, hacked, or damaged.
The good news is that there are actually several ways to protect your phone and this article talks about 11 of them. Let’s start!
1. Use lock codes
This should be obvious enough, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t even bother to set a lock code for their phones and SIM cards. The problem is far beyond lost contacts and potential missed appointments. In the worst case: if your phone is stolen or lost, your data will be vulnerable to people with bad intentions.
Avoid this problem by entering a password not only on your phone, but also on your SIM card. That way you would at least buy yourself some time to do something about the loss before someone else can crack your passcodes.
2. See which wireless networks you connect to
We live in the age of social media, where people thrive by being connected to other people around the world. Staying connected online generally consumes data and drives your phone bills through the roof, which is why WiFi connections are a godsend. However, if you’re not careful which one you connect to, you can subject your phone to malicious parts.
Fortunately, smartphones have been programmed to lessen the chances of this risk. Get in the habit of turning off your wireless connection when you’re not using it. This tip actually solves two problems: it helps you avoid data breach on your phone and makes the battery last longer.
3. Be careful with Bluetooth connections too
Although they are much more secure than wireless connections due to their relatively short range, Bluetooth connections can still pose a threat to the security of your phone. Hackers, when in range, can make calls, listen in on conversations, and access data just as easily as they did on their own phones.
Set the Undetectable mode as your default Bluetooth setting. By doing so, your device will no longer appear on the list of potential hackers. If you receive unknown requests to sync your device, choose to always reject them.
Four. Be very careful with applications
With the recent rise in malware on phones running Android operating systems, you need to be more vigilant when downloading apps. Although it may not be wise to read the software requirements at installation time, doing so will give you an idea of whether software, particularly unknown software, is being reasonable with your access requests.
Always make sure to download apps only from official and safe platforms. You can also keep your phone safe by not saving your access details every time you log into internet browsers, as doing so will make it easier for hackers to access your data as they will all be in one place.
5. Download effective Anti-Malware
This is useful if you are unlucky enough to get malware on your phone when downloading apps. An anti-malware software will definitely soften the impact of infections and prevent your data and media from being corrupted.
6. Update your phone’s operating system frequently
Constant operating system updates can be a bit annoying at times, but it will serve your phone well if you don’t ignore it. Upgrading your operating system will launch a better and more secure system that will keep your data protected. So when a reminder pops up on your phone screen, clear out some storage space and start updating right away.
7. Make a backup of your data
Losing your phone is bad enough. Waiting forever to get all your contacts, appointments, confidential data, and relevant documents back makes it that much worse. Backing up your phone data may not seem important to you right now, but it will certainly be convenient when you need it.
There are services that will automatically upload all of your data to an online resource every time you connect to a strong WiFi network, leaving you free from the hassle of setting it up yourself. Find one that best suits your phone’s operating system and take advantage of it.
8. Jailbreaking or rooting your device is a No-No
Jailbreaking or rooting a smartphone is a way to bypass manufacturers’ security protocols. Doing so will significantly weaken your phone and make it vulnerable to software threats. Try to avoid doing this as much as you can.
9. Get insurance
Human error will never be out of the question when it comes to dealing with phone security. Accidental drops and liquid spills are common and will likely cost you a couple hundred dollars in repairs.
By purchasing insurance for your phone, the damages mentioned above will be covered and give you fewer threats to worry about. There are many good insurance plans. All you have to do is research them and find out what type of coverage you want.
10. Use a reliable screen protector
When it comes to damage to your phone’s screen, you can never go wrong by getting tried and tested protection technology that will never let you down in times of need. There are many good options on the market today, but the products that stand out are often the ones that go the extra mile.
Opt for screen protectors made from military-grade polyurethane for an added layer of defense against blunt trauma. These things are usually more affordable than you think and can definitely take a big hit, leaving your phone screen unscathed at all times.
eleven. Invest in a reliable case
You can take all the necessary precautions to keep your phone safe, but you can’t deny the fact that they are always just one drop away from being completely useless. Don’t worry, it happens to even the most cautious people.
When you invest in a shock and water resistant phone case, you significantly lessen your worries of dropping and damaging your phone. Now you can take your phone with you everywhere: the beach, the mountain and even the sky. Be sure to choose phone cases that are made of military-grade materials, submersible in water up to 24 feet, and shock, snow, and dust proof.
Making sure your phone is secure at all times can be a bit overwhelming, but the tips above will take considerable pressure off your shoulders. Keep them in mind and you are good to go.