5 Essential Tips to Ensure Your Phone is Secured

image courtesy of gadgetcage.com

We’ve been hearing a lot about mobile security on the news lately. With new malware and bugs being unleashed on the likes of Android and iOS, our smartphones need to be secured more than ever before. The problem is, unlike PCs, smartphone developers haven’t had anywhere near the time to develop robust virus and security protection software.

With over half of the population already invested in them, smartphones are a prime target for hackers with malicious intent. Especially when you consider the types of data they could access on your phone. Bank details, phone contacts, and private images are just the start of it. Despite the much needed improvements though, there are ways for you to protect your phone and its data.

 5. Protect It With A Strong Password

It’s too easy to lose your phone. If you were to accidentally leave it on the train, or it was stolen from your pocket, you can protect your phone with a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN). Don’t write your password down anywhere. It’s also recommended that any secure sites accessed via your mobile internet service should not have saved passwords. Otherwise someone could easily access your emails, if they were to guess the PIN into your phone.

4. Adjust Your Phone’s Locking Timer

When a phone has been idle for a few minutes, most will lock themselves. It would be wise to shorten the time your smartphone takes to lock again, because this could be the opportunity for someone to access your data, when you accidentally leave it on a table at the coffee shop. Alternatively, you could also get yourself into the habit of locking your phone yourself, whenever you are not using it. Leaving it drains the battery anyway.

3. Don’t Ignore Updates

Make sure you regularly install your phone’s updates. The likelihood is they are intended to improve your phone’s security, as well as improving performance. You wouldn’t neglect to update your PC when one became available.

2. Enable The “Find My Phone” Feature

Make sure your current smartphone has a feature which enables you to locate your phone when it is missing. For example, the Windows 7 has a feature called “Find My Phone”, which allows you to lock your phone remotely, wipes its memory remotely and helps you track it down. Android operated phones can install a third-party app which will give you a similar service.

1. Be Wary of Applications

Most viruses and trojans are being distributed using unofficial apps which pose as the real thing. Be extra vigilant, and make sure you buy and download all of your apps from the official store. Double check if you are uncertain an app is legitimate.

Jimmy Wentz is a budding freelance tech writer, gaming and gadget enthusiast. An avid Apple fanatic, he counts Steve Jobs as one of his personal heroes. He also writes about O2 and the latest developments in the world of technology. 

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