Most of us are usually worried about the security of our desktops or laptops and forget to think about our cell phones.
Unlike desktops, your smartphones and tablets carry all sorts of information from your personal photographs, important emails, and your sensitive financial details. And due to a rise in mobile usage, hackers have shifted their interest from desktops to mobile platforms.
Nowadays, nearly all possible threats that were previously attacking desktop platforms are now targeting smartphone users.
- Ransomware
- Phishing
- Spams
- Spyware
- Botnets
- Banking Malware
- OS and Software vulnerabilities
Unfortunately, most users don’t understand the potential threat when it comes to mobile devices.
With so many new threats out there we thought it would be a good idea to share with you a few things you can do to improve the security of your mobile devices.
1. Use the Home Screen Lock
The easiest thing to do first is to use your home screen lock. Most cellphones have this feature so you can set a password to unlock your phone. This password can be a pattern drawn or a code entered.
This type of security measure prevents any layperson from picking up your phone and having immediate access to it.
2. Check Your SmartPhone Privacy Settings
Most of us are excited when we get a new smartphone. We jump straight into using it without ever checking the default settings.
These settings can control how much information is shared, when it should be shared, and whether it’s shared on an insecure connection. Find your phone’s settings and check to see what they are set to.
3. Use Only Secure WiFi Connections
Unsecured WiFi can always be dangerous. You should never enter any personal data if you are on an unsecured network as information sent through these networks can be intercepted and viewed by anyone.
Once your data is hacked people can access your email, user names and passwords, online banking information, and more. If you must use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection, keep your activity to things that you wouldn’t mind being shared or work only with sites that provide SSL security.
If you follow these three suggestions you will be well on your way to securing your device. In addition, Vintage IT Services offers Anti-virus solutions for mobile devices. If you are interested in learning more, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.