Securing a Smartphone is Essential
As technology is evolving, new devices are being introduced and the devices are becoming more and more advanced, as well. And, mobile phones are no different. In today’s date, smartphones are becoming cheaper and better, which means there is an increase in usage.
To many, the rise and adaptation of mobile phones mean efficiency and simplicity in the workplace as well as personal life. Information related to business, social media accounts, images, email, and all other types of data is mostly stored on mobile phones. And this data is quite sensitive, as well. It’s quite useful to have all this data accessible in just a few clicks.
But at the same time, it leaves users open to security threats.
(in billions)
(in billions)
(in billions)
(in billions)
(in billions)
(in billions)
As per the above statistics, smartphone users have increased tremendously. Until the end of 2019 alone, the number of smartphone users has been expected to surpass five billion users worldwide due to its increased popularity. No doubt, we can easily say that it will increase further in 2020 and in the coming years, as well, which could impose some severe security threats.
Also, the research done by ptsecurity revealed that both the popular operating systems, Android and iOS often contain critical vulnerabilities.
%
are on the client side
%
exploited without physical access
%
without administrator rights
(jailbreak or root)
- 43%
- 38%
For instance, just one attack on the mobile phone and data like credit card details, secondary authentication information regarding online banking, email accounts, or social media accounts can be stolen, leaked, and misused, especially if the devices are logged from another location using an insecure connection, which has nothing to do with the vulnerability found in technology.
Today’s smartphones are more like small computers though they may not look like that and they are also equally vulnerable to cyberattacks similar to what happens on computers and servers of organizations.
Mobile Security Tips for End Users
1. Keep Strong Pins
2. Keep your Device Encrypted
3. Activate Remote Wipe
4. Proper Backup of Mobile Phone Data
5. Avoid Installing Third-Party Apps
6. Avoid Rooting Your Android or Jail Breaking Your iPhone
7. Keep Your Mobile OS Updated
8. Beware of Social Engineering Scams
9. Use Publicly Available Free Wi-Fi Carefully
Yes, everyone likes free Wi-Fi, even I use it whenever I get a chance. But be careful with these free Wi-Fi connections, as it could be insecure and you could end up drawing unwanted attention from cybercrooks.
Avoid doing sensitive transactions like banking or online shopping. Make use of a VPN. Yes, VPN for mobile is available. Free VPNs are available but they also have some drawbacks. It’s recommended to spend some bucks and make use of a VPN for iOS or VPN for Android apps, depending on your device.
10. Install Anti-Malware For your Mobile Phone
Important Resources to Read
- Top 7 Ways to Enhance the Security of Your Home Wi-Fi Network
- 7 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe Online From Bullies & Other Security Threats
- Take Your Mac Security to the Next Level With These Tools
- Benefits Using VPN for Business
- How Can Your Business Handle the Risks Arising from a VPN?
- 7 Tools to Stay Completely Anonymous Online
- Should You Use a VPN at Home or Not?