These days, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about our cyber security, especially regarding our mobile phones. With so much of our personal and professional lives online, we must do everything we can to protect ourselves and our data. Fortunately, we can all take a few simple steps to improve our mobile security hygiene. Following such simple guidelines can help keep ourselves and our data safe from cyber threats.
There are various steps across different mobile operating systems – for example, if you’re an iPhone user and some friends or family members are tracking you, it can be handy to learn how to stop sharing location without them knowing. This post, however, will help anyone with a smartphone running any OS that may need tighter security. Let’s get started!
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Keep your screen always locked.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your smartphone from unauthorized access is to keep the screen locked. Whether you use Face ID, Touch ID, a pattern, PIN, or a password, adding an extra layer of security makes it much harder for someone to access your device if it’s lost or stolen. In addition, keeping your screen locked helps to prevent accidental clicks and enhances privacy by preventing others from snooping on your device. While it may seem like a hassle to unlock your phone every time you want to use it, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is safe is worth the extra effort.
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Always set up your SOS Emergency settings.
In today’s world, our phones are more than just a way to stay connected with our loved ones. They are also essential tools for safety and security. That’s why always setting up your SOS Emergency settings is crucial. With SOS Emergency, you can quickly and easily call for help in the event of an emergency.
Just open the app and tap the SOS button. You can also add emergency contacts so your phone can notify them if you need help. And if you’re ever in a situation where you can’t access your phone, you can set up an emergency message that will automatically send to your contacts. So why take the risk? Set up your SOS Emergency settings today, and rest assured that help is just a tap away.
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Never do sensitive activities without turning on your VPN
Regarding phone security, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your data is safe. One of the most important things you can do is always to use a VPN when doing sensitive activities like online banking or shopping. A VPN encrypts your traffic, meaning that even if someone does manage to intercept your data, they won’t be able to read it. It is essential if you’re using public Wi-Fi, as it’s relatively easy for someone to set up a fake hotspot and collect people’s data.
Another advantage of using a VPN is that it can help to prevent targeted advertising. Without a VPN, your phone sends data about your location and browsing habits to advertisers, who then use this information to show you targeted ads. Using a VPN can block these requests and stop advertisers from collecting this data. Overall, using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your phone’s security.
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Turn off location services on apps that don’t need your location.
Most people are aware of the security risks associated with their smartphones. However, many people don’t realize that some of their apps may be putting their security at risk. One way to protect your privacy is to turn off location services for apps that don’t need your location.
By doing this, you can prevent hackers from being able to track your location and access your personal information. Additionally, turning off location services can help to conserve battery life. So, if you’re concerned about phone security, turn off location services for apps that you don’t need.
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Stay up-to-date with the latest OS.
If you’re serious about phone security, staying up-to-date with the latest OS is crucial. Operating system updates typically include security patches that close up vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. So, by running the latest OS, you can help protect your device from malware and other attacks.
In addition, newer versions of operating systems often include improvements in security features, such as App Lock and biometric authentication. So, keeping your phone updated lets you enjoy peace of mind knowing your device is as secure as possible.
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Create a unique password for each account
When it comes to phone security, one of the most important things you can do is create a unique password for each account. That way, even if a hacker manages to obtain your password for one account, they will not be able to access any of your other accounts. Additionally, using different passwords for each account can minimize the damage if your phone is hacked.
For example, suppose you use the same password for your email and social media accounts. In that case, a hacker who gains access to your email could also post malicious content on your social media Timeline. However, if you use different passwords for each account, the hacker would only be able to access your email and not your social media accounts. Overall, creating unique passwords for each account is an essential step in keeping your phone secure.
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Avoid cloud storage if it’s not an urgent need.
Cloud storage has become increasingly popular as it offers a convenient way to store and access files from any internet-connected device. However, some security risks are associated with cloud storage, and it’s essential to be aware of them before you decide to store sensitive data in the cloud. One of the most significant risks is that your data could be hacked. If a hacker gains access to your account, they could potentially gain access to all of your stored data.
Another risk is that your data could be accidentally released. In 2017, for example, a primary cloud storage provider accidentally released the private data of millions of users. Finally, there is always the possibility that your data could be lost or stolen if the cloud storage provider goes out of business or suffers a significant data breach. For these reasons, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits of cloud storage before you decide to use it.
Last thoughts
So, these are the seven safety and security tips smartphone users should practice! We hope you found them helpful. Check CellularNews.com for more guides, reviews, and news on tech! Thanks for reading.