6 Fool-Proof Strategies For Reliable Smartphone Security
Smartphones have become an invaluable tool for streamlined communication, online transactions, and on-the-go work. More and more individuals – and business teams – rely on smartphones to stay connected on-the-go. Smartphones have become the status quo and imagining a world without them seems less and less possible by the day.
However, despite the innovation and convenience, there are increased security risks when it comes to smartphone use too. The more and more that people and businesses become reliant on streamlined smartphone communication and access, the more points of vulnerability exist for hackers to exploit. That’s why, it’s critical for individuals and organizations to be proactive about smartphone security.
For business leaders, this means making sure that both company smartphones and personal smartphones used by employees are sufficiently secured to prevent device or network breaches. Our strategic team of IT security experts has put together a brief guide of strategies that can be used by both business leaders and individuals to get proactive about smartphone security.
6 Easy & Proactive Ways To Beef Up Smartphone Security
Smartphones are especially vulnerable to hacking precisely because they are designed to be ‘on-the-go’ computers. They travel from place to place, pinging different data towers and connecting to a variety of different WiFi networks. However, the great thing about the smartphone security dilemma is that there are concrete ways to face it head on. In fact, if they’re proactive enough, smartphone users themselves have all the tools they need to significantly mitigate concerns about privacy breaches.
Here’s 6 strategies to help you get proactive about smartphone security:
Be smart about public WiFi use
Public WiFi is convenient and may help keep your data usage low when you’re out and about, but it’s not always your friend when it comes to keeping your smartphone secure. The unfortunate reality is that hackers are constantly lurking on public WiFi networks, hunting for unprotected or poorly protected devices to exploit.
If a malicious actor exploits a smartphone user on a public WiFi network they’re able to control users online activity, steal data, and in the worst case scenario hack and disable devices entirely. That’s why it’s best practice to avoid using public WiFi networks whenever possible. If and when using public WiFi networks is unavoidable, security experts recommend using a private VPN that encrypts network coverage and provides a critical line of device protection.
Remember to do your updates
Smartphone users likely agree that device and software update notifications and reminders can be tedious and annoying. In fact, many people put off completing these updates for weeks and months at a time, avoiding it until they’re forced to update. But this procrastination can have major implications when it comes to smartphone security.
Smartphone and software application updates often contain critical security patches that address known vulnerabilities. When you complete these updates you not only get a more seamless user experience on your device, but you ensure you’re keeping your smartphone locked down with the latest security strategies. Get in the habit of doing your updates in a timely fashion to ensure you’re always proactively working against hackers and security risks.
Choose a smart lock-code and make two-factor authentication your standard
Passwords or lock-codes often make smartphone users feel their device could never be hacked or exploited. However, like with all things cybersecurity, choosing passwords and lockcodes requires a bit of proactive strategy. Make sure the code you use to lock your phone isn’t simple and easily hackable. Also, be sure to set specific passwords for smartphone applications that contain sensitive information like banking information.
Even better? Don’t rely on passwords and lock-codes alone. Implement some form of two-factor authentication on your smartphone like face recognition or finger-print scanning. This way there are always two layers of security on your device, making it much more difficult for malicious actors to gain authorized access.
Keep informed about trending scams
It might sound cliche, but when it comes to smartphone security, knowledge is power. You can’t defend yourself against threats you don’t know exist. Hackers are constantly developing and deploying new means of exploiting devices and duping users into handing over access without realizing it.
That’s why it’s critical to keep a finger on the pulse of trending cybersecurity scams. Be vigilant and never give any personal information to an unverified source. If you get a suspicious email or text message on your device, don’t respond and do your own research before ever engaging with potential hackers. When in doubt, reach out to a team of cybersecurity experts to stay up-to-date on common scams and strategies for protection.
Avoid public chargers whenever possible
Just like public WiFi, public charging stations can be really convenient. In a pinch, when you’re desperate to get a little boost to your smartphone battery life, it can be tempting to use a public charging port. However, using these public charging stations leaves you vulnerable to increased risk of device exploitation.
Hackers love to use public charging ports to exploit and control the devices of unsuspecting users. That’s why, whenever possible, it’s best practice to only use authenticated USB charging ports and avoid the unauthenticated charging stations offered in public spaces. Remember to charge up before you go out and if you need a boost before you get home try to plan ahead by bringing your own charger.
Be proactive about smart-phone back-ups
Finally, even if you follow all the security tips we’ve outlined so far, nothing beats backing up your smartphone data. Unfortunately, even with the most proactive security strategies in place, smartphones still get hacked. This is why a huge part of smartphone security is being prepared for the worst-case scenario.
In order to avoid losing all your data in the event of a device breach, get in the habit of regularly backing-up your smartphone data. You can even set up automatic-back ups to ensure your data is constantly being duplicated, saved, and stored off your device. It’s all about adopting a proactive approach and resting assured that even if you get hacked, you’ve actively prevented data loss.
Need help getting serious about smartphone security? Don’t hesitate to ask for help!
Whether you’re an individual trying to be more proactive about your personal smartphone security, or you’re a business leader trying to manage security for the personal and company devices operating on your network, consulting with a professional is a good idea. Our team of IT security professionals are experienced in smartphone security strategy and can help you stay on top of ever-changing threats.
Give us a call anytime at (973) 334-1700, or visit our website at www.mathe.com to chat with a live agent and book a smartphone security consultation.
With over 35 years in the business of supporting and implementing technology for the SME market, and 6 years previously in Corporate IT and Voice. I have seen a great deal of change. The only common thread is I have always focused on the Business Wise application of Technology. We always try to look 5 years ahead of the current technology to make sure our clients are on the right track to meet current and future needs.
