Now that over 7.26 billion people are mobile phone users and 5 billion are Internet users, cybersecurity is a big concern. People trust smartphones with their photos, notes, social media passwords, online banking apps, IDs, and passwords. But cybercriminals can easily access this information if you don’t know how to secure your smartphone data. For example, if you transfer sensitive data via Kik, hackers can access it using Kik spy tools. Keep reading to learn how to protect yourself from cybercriminals.
1. Activate an Auto Lock Screen
Setting a screen lock is the simplest way to protect your smartphone from intruders. Even if you forget to press the lock button, the phone should auto-lock itself after 30 seconds of inactivity. This function will come in handy in cases when you accidentally leave your phone somewhere or lose it. Most users nowadays prefer to set a fingerprint or face recognition lock, but don’t forget to combine it with a PIN lock. For iPhones, it’s only four digits, while Android devices allow setting longer passwords composed of numbers, letters, and symbols.
2. Update Your OS
Operating system updates usually include bug fixes and patches for system security vulnerabilities. Some phones install OS updates automatically, while others require manual confirmation. Users who ignore operating system updates risk having their devices attacked by cybercriminals. When they discover vulnerabilities in the phone’s security system, they use them to steal the smartphone’s data, including passwords and financial information.
3. Activate Two-Factor Authentication
It’s a shame that two-factor authentication is optional, as it’s one of the most important security features. You should activate 2FA on all your social accounts to add a layer of protection to your data. Every time you log in from an unrecognized device or new location, you’ll receive a one-time code and enter it to confirm your identity. The login process gets a bit longer but more secure.
4. Use Antivirus & Anti-Spyware Solutions
Anti-virus and anti-spyware tools protect mobile devices from common threats like malware, spyware, and viruses. These solutions have two main functions. First, they prevent malware from infecting the device. Second, when the phone is already infected, they scan the entire device, detect where the malware is located, and remove it along with all the infected files. Later, these solutions take care of the device’s health and periodically check to ensure it isn’t infected.
5. Download Apps From Reliable Sources
The App Store is a reliable source for downloading applications on iOS devices, and the Google Play Market is a trusted source for getting apps optimized for Android phones. These platforms take security seriously and are careful about the quality of their apps. As a result, they may withdraw some apps if they raise concerns.
But you can’t find all types of applications on these platforms. For example, most gambling operators have mobile apps, but users should download them from the casino’s websites. They should first change their phone settings to allow the device to download apps from unreliable sources. Then, users download apk files from the website and install them on the phone.
Surely, the security of such applications is questionable. For example, they might contain malware that infects the device and steals the user’s personal information and sensitive data, besides slowing down your cell phone. Therefore, it’s strongly recommended to download apps from reliable sources only.
6. Review Your App’s Permissions
When you download a photo editor, and it asks permission to access your camera and gallery, it’s reasonable. But it’s extremely suspicious when you install a calculator or alarm clock and want to read your text messages and contact list.
You should handle such cases with extreme caution. Usually, people automatically tap “Ok” or “Allow” after installing an app without even checking what it wants to access. And if the app is compromised, it starts running in the background, collects the user’s data, and transfers it to a third party.
7. Be Wary of Phishing and Social Engineering
Every user should make a rule of thumb never to click an unknown link sent by a friend or stranger. Today phishing and social engineering are popular ways of stealing personal and financial information. A single click on the link is enough for your mobile phone to get infected. Moreover, the virus can automatically spread through your social network. For example, most such viruses can send emails from the compromised user’s account to his friends who also fall into the trap and click on the link.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is a big concern nowadays as people keep many personal and sensitive data on their phones. Phishing and spyware are two of the most common threats you can learn about on RealSpyApps.com. But you’ll always be protected if you know how to protect yourselves.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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