As smartphones are becoming our main communication tools, I think it’s important to talk about mobile security.
Never forget the importance of mobile security
Mobile security is important because most of our data is stored on our mobile phones, as they are the devices with which we interact the most on a daily basis.
Data has to be safe somewhere if you don’t want any hacker, scammer or company to have access to it.
So, here I’m going to explain some changes you can actually make to improve the mobile security of your smartphone and the data stored on it.
Store important data and passwords in encrypted files
The safest way to store or keep sensitive data on your phone is to use some kind of application protected by a strong password.
There are many cloud storage services to do this, but you have to keep in mind that they use safe technologies such as End-To-End Encryption (E2EE), data encryption or decentralized technology, as they are more private and respectful of user security.
Use a virtual private network (VPN)
Virtual private networks, better known as VPNs, allow users to make a safe connection over a private network over the Internet.
Also users can send and receive data through networks, shared or public, without other users -non-authorized ones- seeing them.
VPNs keep data anonymous and safe by assigning a temporary IP address and hiding the true IP address on every website or email one connects to.
It is an additional protection layer between users and hackers!
Use call protection apps
Applications such as Burner and Firewall protect your device against hackers, annoying vendors and unwanted calls, so they don’t have access to your phone.
Burner helps keep the number private by generating new phone numbers that can be used as long as you want and then discarded.
At the same time, Firewall allows iOS users to send unwanted calls directly to the voice mailbox without ringing a single tone.
Use two-step authentication
This security step checks your identity to see whether it is legitimate before allowing you to use a particular account, such as the email.
A common form of such authentication is that it generates a time-sensitive code that is sent to the phone through a text message.
The code is valid for a single use only, and once it is entered, you will be able to access your account.
If you want to change passwords that you stored, at times it will ask for two-step authentication again, but don’t worry, it’s for security’s sake!
Avoid jailbreaking or rooting the device
Jailbreaking an iPhone or rooting an Android has a number of attractive advantages, such as allowing you to customize your phone, improve battery life or download unauthorized apps.
But you have to think twice, because it can make devices vulnerable!
Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use
Hacking bluetooth channels is a fairly common form of invasion that hackers use.
Very often, the bluetooth of iPhone and Android is turned on by default and it can become a security issue.
Through the bluetooth channel, hackers could camouflage a malicious device and make it look like a legitimate device.
Avoid charging your phone on public ports
Charging your phone at public charging points (such as those at airports, transit stations, airplanes, etc.) can make you vulnerable to a security breach.
Connecting to a public port does more than charge a phone, it is also capable of transmitting data.
If a connection is compromised, then a hacker can access your emails, text messages, photos, and contacts.
Update your phone software frequently
You can avoid accepting phone update notifications, but updating the phone can reduce the chances of being hacked.
