There’s no doubting the impact mobile devices have on our lives. They enable easier and more convenient communication. They can also be used for gaming, listening to music, reading books, and browsing the Internet. However, they are also used increasingly often for business, making mobile payments, crypto transfers, and more. Keeping these devices secure from cyber threats is an important aspect of ownership.
Install Security Software
Most computer users know they need antivirus or antimalware software. Many secure their network devices using a VPN, too, but far fewer use this kind of software on their mobile devices. While Android has a built-in VPN, iOS devices don’t, and Android’s software offers minimal protection for your data. Users need dedicated software and can stay secure with these mobile VPNs while also enjoying additional benefits.
According to technology and SaaS expert Nick Saraev, mobile VPNs also enable access to geo-restricted content on streaming services and can keep you secure if you connect to the Internet using public WiFi networks.
Use Auto-Lock And Other Security Features
Most mobile devices have some security features built-in, but they only work if they’re activated. Ensure the screen-lock is turned on and that it requires a PIN, passkey, or biometric data to unlock. The screen should lock after a minute of inactivity. If it takes ten minutes to lock, that’s plenty of time for somebody to grab your phone if it is left unattended.
A PIN is the least secure method of locking a phone, but it is better than no lock whatsoever. Use as long a pin as you are allowed, ensure it isn’t something obvious, and avoid using combinations that make simple gestures or patterns on screen. These are easily guessed and are some of the first keys thieves try.
Implement Biometric And Password Settings
Short PINs are the lease secure form of screen lock. Passwords, rather than passkeys are more secure than PINs but you do need to ensure that you create a secure password. This means it needs to include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and spcial characters and should ideally be at least 12 characters long. The longer and more random the password, the more difficult it is to bypass.
Fortunately, most modern mobile phones, whether Android or iOS, have biometric features built in. Biometric authentication can include fingerprint or thumbprint ID, as well as facial recognition. It is very difficult to fake or bypass these settings, and it is highly recommended that phone owners use them where they are available.
Update Your OS
Android and Apple both release regular security updates for their operating systems. These updates plug security holes and fix known security vulnerabilities, but they only work when they are installed.
It can be inconvenient having your phone automatically update, but mobile phones enable you to choose a time for automatic updates to apply. Set them to install and update overnight, when you aren’t using your phone, and you will never even know that it is happening.
Update Apps And Other Software
The average phone has more than 18 apps installed on it, as well as native apps that are already installed when the phone is first purchased. Potentially every lone of these apps could have security vulnerabilities. While you don’t need to completely avoid installing apps to remain secure on your mobile device, you do need to ensure you have the most secure version of the apps available.
Like operating systems, apps can be set so they automatically check for and apply updates. And, just as you can with operating system software, you can set apps so they only update at specific times, so you can work around your typical mobile phone usage.
Don’t Use Public WiFi
Public WiFi networks can be found in coffee shops, public transport hubs, restaurants, and even in some pubs and other locations. They offer a convenient, free connection to the Internet. However, they are, by their very nature, open. Anybody can access the network, and while most people do so to quickly Google something or send messages to friends, the open nature of public WiFi means they are also open to attack.
Don’t use public WiFi unless you have to, and if you do have to, ensure you connect via a VPN and have other security software installed. This is especially important if you have crypto hot wallets or other sensitive software that automatically connects to the Internet.
Enable Data Backup
Using security software and best practices can help prevent third parties from accessing information. It can also protect against malware. However, some can still get past, and this can lead to data loss. You might not think that data loss on a mobile device is as bad as it is on a computer or workstation, but most mobile devices are now used for online banking and crypto transfers, and they can contain a lot of personal and business data.
If a mobile device becomes infected with spyware or other malware, it can also cause a loss of data ranging from personal photographs to anything you’ve been working on. Use a data backup service that automatically updates all of your phone’s most important data to a cloud server so you can minimize the amount lost.
Only Install Trusted Apps
One of the easiest ways for hackers and thieves to gain access to your device is to have you install malware. While it is possible to pick up malware while you surf the Internet, or by clicking on links in emails, malware can also be disguised as or hidden in legitimate-looking apps.
Only install apps that you trust. Apps on Apple’s app store are generally trustworthy, but the Android store has less stringent security requirements. Check reviews, on the store and on the Internet, to ensure you’re not downloading ransomware or apps that will steal or destroy data.
Don’t Leave Devices Unattended
While hacking and malware are common ways to gain access to mobile phones and the data they contain, many data thieves operate by physically stealing the phone and then gaining access to it. They can’t do that if you don’t give them access to your phone. Never leave a mobile unattended, even if you’re only nipping to the toilet at a restaurant.
And, in case your phone does get stolen, make sure apps like your banking apps and digital wallet apps require verification for every transaction. These apps should automatically log you out after periods of inactivity, but it is a good idea to have them use the same biometric login as your phone, or give them their own passwords.
Conclusion
Mobile devices are powerful, multi-functional devices that most of us carry. We not only use them to chat and message one another, but we use them to make payments, transfer funds, and for work. And our use of mobile phones is only likely to expand further with the implementation of 6G in the next few years. Mobile devices need to be kept secure.
As well as following best practices like not leaving your phone unattended and always using biometric or secure password login credentials, you should consider installing and using a mobile VPN to help ensure the best possible security.
