Keeping Safe While Using Your Smartphone
With the advancement in technology, there is no doubt that mobiles are smarter and are enticing to thieves and cybercriminals. There is more to losing your mobile phone than the contacts and saved text messages, even though both are equally important, but with backup plans, you can easily get them back.
Now is the perfect time to talk about the looming data theft around the world; staying safe while using your smartphone is a skill worthy of learning, and we are here to help you get started.
How To Stay Safe While Using Your Smartphone
The clingy feeling you have towards your smartphone is normal; you’re not addicted; you are only following what is in vogue. Every individual who has access to a smartphone is clingy towards it and can’t do without it for more than minutes.
According to a survey on Quora that reads, “is it possible to spend a day without a smartphone?” not many can survive the ordeal, although most answers are Yes. But a companion has to be provided for such a person not to lose his mind. This shows how humans are bonded with their smartphones.
Using your smartphone comes with its risks, and it is worth knowing how to stay safe using your smartphone.
Install Antivirus
Your smartphone will always lure cyber thieves due to the advanced technology in all sectors. All banks have a mobile application where you can bank online using your personal details, and with access to your smartphone, thieves can withdraw your savings without stepping into the bank.
If you happen to be a cryptocurrency investor and rely on blockchain to help protect your investment, you might be wrong. Cyber theft is at a high rate, and even the almighty Blockchain was hacked a few years ago; since then, more Blockchain hacks have been recorded. This shows that your smartphone needs more protection than the applications on it.
A lifesaver that can make the efforts of an average criminal abortive is a secured antivirus. Cyber thieves don’t appear to you like the regular miscreants on the street to snatch your phone; they keep track of your online activities and steal your information online by using viruses that bug your smartphone.
Avoid Using Random Wi-Fi
Any activities that have to do with airwaves need to be avoided if you want to keep staying safe online. Public Wi-Fi or random Wi-Fi are plagued with threats to your smartphone. Understandably, you might need access to the internet after exhausting your data plan, or your network is not forthcoming.
Settling for sim-only deals can save you from the ordeal of using random Wi-Fi and exhausting your data plan without prior notice. If you are in a place where the internet isn’t encouraging, you can easily get sim-only deals and change the sim card while backing up the contacts and data.
Protect Sensitive Information
All jobs have ethics, and using a smartphone has one too; never share your personal information with anyone. The situation might warrant you telling your family and trusted friends, but never disclose your personal information to strangers.
Your bank details should be protected; when you purchase goods online using your card, make sure to log out of the website to protect your card details.
Your smartphone password, pin, or pattern should be protected. To strengthen your phone’s security, use face look and thumbprint, remove permission for random applications, and keep your operating system updated.
When visiting any strange website, you should use a VPN to keep your data and location secured—also, avoid clicking on random links that can direct you to an untrusted website. Similarly, avoid downloading or installing applications from random websites; use trusted stores like Playstore and Appstore.
Conclusion
Advancement in technology has helped all sectors even though it has its shortcomings which is an increase in the rate of cybercrime such as credit card theft and cyber hacks. It is important to devise means of protecting yourself while using your smartphone.
Keeping your personal information like credit card details and phone password-secured is a great way to get started. Installing antivirus and installing applications from credible sources also goes a long way in keeping you safe online.