Mobile phone users depend on their gadgets for almost everything, including entertainment, education, business, communication, etc. As per Pew Research Center, 81% of people in the United States own a mobile phone, and the typical consumer checks it more than 50 times per day. We have become overly reliant on our mobile devices due to their adaptability and technological breakthroughs. Mobile phones conduct various day-to-day tasks, including browsing the web, scheduling appointments, file sharing, setting up reminders, phone calls, instant messaging, video calling, and even mobile banking, thanks to their enhanced functionalities.

Because of all of these features, mobile phones are prone to cyber threats and physical assaults. Spyware, particularly mobile applications, security breaches, spoofing, and theft, are examples of security risks. 

8 Useful Tips to Advance Mobile Security

Use the most fundamental security measures, such as locking your home screen. Countless smartphone users do not have a screen lock on their phones, making it pretty easy to exploit them.

This blog will discuss some great ways to enhance mobile security and minimize the risk.

Use Strong Passwords

Using screen lock is extremely important. Unauthorized access is complicated with solid passwords combined with biometric features and facial recognition. Passwords must be eight or over in length and include alphanumeric characters with symbols. You would rather not be vulnerable to unanticipated attacks. Because of the challenges of your passcodes in other applications, you may want to save them in the same way that a browser does by using the ‘remember me’ function. It will help if you avoid this function at all costs because it raises the risk of a compromised password. If you lose a phone, another person may gain complete access to it. Also, make sure to change your passwords at least every two to three months.

Use VPN

If you are unsure about the network’s security to which you are connected, you must use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) customer. A VPN allows you to access the web securely. It will also protect any browsing activity, downloads, or uploads you perform using public WiFi from snoopers. It is also beneficial when attempting to access less secure websites. Anybody who understands about using networking and vulnerability tools can see non-HTTPS webpages. These web pages are vulnerable to MITM (Man-in-the-middle) attacks, which allow for password sniffing and eavesdropping. When it comes to combating cybercrime, you must adopt a new outlook.

Download Secure Call and SMS Apps

Apps such as Burner, Signal, and Firewall prevent hackers, unwanted callers, and spammers from accessing your phone. Burner protects your personal information by creating new mobile numbers to use for as long as you want. The firewall provides iPhone users to direct spam calls to voice messages without even hearing a single ring. Security professionals and federal organizations worldwide have lauded Signal as the most secure messenger app. It offers end-to-end encryption through its Signal protocol keeping the messaging safe and secure.

Connect to Protected WiFi

Everyone appreciates free WiFi, remarkably when the data plan is reasonably priced. However, inexpensive can become very pricey in a very negative way. It is since the majority of free WiFi hotspots are not secured. Because these connections are open, fraudulent hackers can easily eavesdrop on internet traffic and obtain your username and passwords. That risk is also not going away soon. Use apps that ensure your connection or at the very least notify you of the WiFi status to protect yourself from WiFi hacking.

Use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication)

Extra steps may appear time-consuming, but it is not the case with 2FA. This security measure verifies your identity before granting access to a specific account, such as your bank account, social media, or email. A popular type of 2FA generates a time-sensitive code and sends it to your mobile via text or email. The code is only valid for one time, and once entered, you will be able to log in.

Encrypt Your Device

Many mobile phones include an encryption feature by default. The process to make data unreadable is known as encryption. It is helpful in the event of theft and restricts access. To encrypt your smartphone, find this function and enter a passcode. Based on the scale of your data, this method may take some time. The larger the data, the longer it would take. You must jot down or memorize the encryption password as needed each time you use your smartphone. Try backing up your files as well, as some intelligent phones instantly delete everything when you enter the wrong encryption code in a few attempts.

Update Your Phone Software Regularly

You might not like accepting phone update notifications like the plague, but doing so could perhaps reduce the likelihood of your mobile being hacked. Every upgrade comes with a better performance and security feature and updating your phone as soon as it notifies you slim the chances of a security breach.

Install Antivirus Apps

Malicious software in your smartphone’s files you download, and apps you install can cause harm to your smartphone. Once activated, this software may send your information to cybercriminals, leaving you vulnerable and depriving you of your confidentiality. To avoid this, install a credible antivirus app. It will ensure your mobile phone security. Some virus protection applications also provide additional features, like erasing your data if you’ve lost your smartphone, monitoring and restricting unknown incoming calls that may pose a threat, and informing you of which apps are unsafe. They also offer to check and clear your browsing history and remove cookies.

Securing your smartphone is not a piece of cake. However, it should always be your primary concern. Because new problems are detected daily, it’s critical to be conscious of any unusual behaviour on your smartphone.