Rampant digitalization of everyday processes and necessities has made it necessary for everyone to own and use a cell phone. People use phones for communication, work, shopping, and many other functions.
With the sensitive information people store on their mobile phones, it’s crucial to ensure you keep your phone secure. Phones that connect to the internet regularly are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
In 2022, there were around 2.2 million mobile cyber-attacks worldwide. This figure was one percent lower than statistics in the previous year but remains a significant number nonetheless.
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Protecting one’s mobile phone against cyber-attacks is essential to secure valuable information. Phones store a lot of information one may not even realize, and malicious actors could use this data to cause harm.
Follow the tips below to improve your mobile cybersecurity practices and protect your devices from attacks.
1. Create Strong Passwords
You can easily find cell phones on sale. After getting one, part of your initial setup should include creating a strong password or passcode.
Many people settle for convenient codes and passwords like birthdates and names. While they can be easy to remember, they can also be easy to guess.
Create and remember passwords that are more difficult to guess or predict. Try incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase characters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Avoid Saving Login Information on Your Phone
It’s often easier to save your login information, usernames, and passwords on your phone. It gives you easy access whenever you need them.
However, if your phone gets lost or stolen, you unintentionally give others access to this data. Once they unlock your phone, they can easily log into your different accounts.
Saving sensitive information on your phone, like login info, answers to security questions, addresses, and the like, could leave you vulnerable to identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission recently reported that consumers lost over $8.8 billion to scams in 2022.
3. Update Phone Software
Mobile phone providers often release software updates regularly. These updates make changes to the phone’s operating system, making it more efficient and secure.
Hackers frequently study mobile phone operating systems to exploit their vulnerabilities. Enabling automatic software updates can help your phone’s system stay as secure as possible.
It’s also important to pay attention to your mobile phone’s model. Android and Apple often cut operating system support after a certain period. Sticking with older models that no longer receive updates can make you more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and other security issues.
4. Be Careful With Public Wi-Fi Connections
When out and about, it’s often convenient to connect to public Wi-Fi networks. After all, they are usually free and can come in handy.
However, using these public connections could leave you vulnerable to hackers and malicious actors. Public Wi-Fi connections often lack encryption and other essential security features.
If you must use public Wi-Fi, try using a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs connect your device to an external server, masking your IP address and physical location. While their benefits can sometimes get inflated by advertisers, they can add a layer of security to your device.
5. Install Security Software
Antivirus and security software isn’t just for personal computers. It can also be used on mobile devices. In fact, many leading computer antivirus companies offer equivalent apps for mobile phones.
A quick search on your device’s app store can present various antivirus options. However, finding one that works with your device and budget can be overwhelming. Nonetheless, it’s important to be careful. Some malware might post as security apps to gain access to your device.
Try looking up reviews of different security apps to help with your decision. You can also stick with trusted antivirus companies to ensure you don’t download any malware.
Mobile phones sometimes feel like an extension of our everyday functions, an everyday tool that doesn’t get much special attention. However, due to their importance in everyday life, you must ensure your device’s security. Practicing habits that ensure your mobile phone’s security not only protects your valuable information but also safeguards your overall digital well-being.
