Mobile Security Tips That Keep Your Cell Phone Safe.Today there are more cell phones than people in the world , people have become used to trusting a lot of personal information on mobile devices. On a cell phone you will find contacts of family and friends, direct entries to social networks and a multitude of applications with personal information, banking, agendas and work documents. By neglecting this type of information it is relatively easy to compromise the safety of the equipment and its owners.
8 Mobile Security Tips That Keep Your Cell Phone Safe
1. Make a backup of the device data.
Backup is extremely important, because it allows you to save your mobile information in case of failure, loss of data or accidental deletion. There are several ways to make backups. A quick option is copying to the expansion card or using the manufacturer’s sync software , which can also back up data as favorites or Wi-Fi passwords. Said synchronization software periodically backs up data and settings in applications, messages, keyboard dictionaries, among other settings. By connecting the equipment to recharge it to the PC, the backup can be performed.
Another alternative is cloud services to back up photos or files on the Internet as they are generated, these can be online applications that save data, calendars and contacts. The important thing is to have a backup scheme available for any unforeseen.
2. Activate Bluetooth , infrared and WiFi connections only when you are going to use them.
The advantages of communication through Bluetooth , infrared or Wi-Fi ports are obvious: they make it easier to use a hands-free car, connect with printers, other mobiles and send text or images to other people, among others. But having them on all the time has two consequences: in a short time they destroy the phone battery and lead to data leakage.
When a phone signal is open, malicious users can take advantage of transmitting viruses or connect to the device and obtain passwords or contacts, depending on the model and system of the equipment. By connecting to public or insecure WiFi networks, the information traveling from our phone can be intercepted with relative ease. Another common practice is bluejacking (receiving unwanted messages or files): anyone who sees our device with Bluetooth or infrared ports enabled can, from playing a prank or starting apparently innocent conversations, to employing social engineering to later commit a robbery. . As a good practice, it is best to avoid letting them know that you have good mobile equipment.
3. Make sure that the transmitted or received information is free of malware.
Depending on the operating system of each phone, there is a variety of malware that can affect its functionality. To combat it, install an antivirus package and use the antivirus of your online applications to check the files that are transmitted. Also, take care of the files that are installed or used on the phone. An antivirus scan never hurts when receiving files from other people.
4.Download apps only from trusted sites.
Data security on your phone is the preferred target of programs that subtract your preferences and settings. There are an enormous number of applications with hidden functions to create flaws in a phone or to send consumption habits and preferences to advertising agents. The recommendation is only to install an application when the reliability of its provenance is verified and you are sure that it will be used.
The application stores of the manufacturer of your computer or its operating system are ideal for installing applications. To get to them you just have to register, most of the downloads are free. There are also sites (like forums and blogs) that talk about mobile apps being developed by enthusiastic people and companies that have good options for your team. It is a matter of searching for additional references on the Internet and obtaining them from their official site.
Downloading cracked applications (released from the mechanism that checks if they were acquired legally) can have consequences, such as downloading faulty software or spyware. In addition, you must watch the permissions of the applications that are installed: even if they come from a trusted source, they can request more permissions than necessary.
Likewise, you should never open links provided through unsolicited SMS / MMS messages that involve downloading content to the computer. This is a popular way to spread applications that damage mobile devices as part of a chain over the Internet. As much as they say they come from your phone operator, it is better to be suspicious.
5.Close all sessions started when finished using them.
You never know when you can lose your phone or when it could fall into the wrong hands, even if only for a few minutes. A person who uses your phone after you, has the ease of accessing the pages you have visited and the personal information you leave open. Use strong passwords and never provide them to third parties.
6.Keep the device software always updated.
Keeping the equipment software up-to-date avoids security flaws and adds and optimizes features for potential problems manufacturers encounter. Minor updates are focused on solving bugs and improving security, so it is always a good idea to install them. In contrast, major updates involve significant changes to the software, which may require better hardware features, so it is important to verify in the update notes and in forums that the team will maintain its performance after incorporating new functions and utilities.
We avoid unofficial software modifications to ensure that when the equipment is updated, it continues to function properly at a good speed and with the security scheme provided by the manufacturer. A homebrew update may be fun or profitable at the moment, but it can represent a future security gap or an empty one when adding new applications.
7.Install a remote data wipe application.
Installing an application to erase data remotely is a good idea in the case of losing your cell phone. With any of these applications, the cell phone can be activated by text message before or after theft or loss and, in this way, private information is erased. Among the additional features, depending on the package installed, you can: locate the mobile phone even if the GPS is deactivated, produce strong alarms (even if the computer is in silent mode), obtain a backup and block the device when connecting from any web browser after the incident.
8. Take care of who you lend your cell phone to.
Finally, take care of who you lend your cell phone to, even for a few moments. In college, on the street, in a public place, or in a private meeting, an innocent call can mean the theft of your information, a virtual hijacking, or the loss of your phone, in the event that the alleged person asking for help suddenly runs away with the cell phone in hand.
These tips can be applied to traditional and smart phones. Security threats will always be latent, but by raising awareness with ourselves and with the people around us, the amount of information that can be compromised can be greatly reduced. Nothing is foolproof, but with simple actions you can avoid subsequent headaches. Protecting our data must be a constant action, which over time becomes natural and everyday.
Tips To Protect Our Mobile Banking Accounts:
- The attackers also aim to rape users of mobile banking, so customers must enter the official pages of the entities that provide this service, and ignore emails or messages asking to update data.
- Public wireless links are more insecure for bank transactions, and it is advisable to take care of applications of questionable origin, as they may contain codes that facilitate theft information.
- Set up an access code to lock the device in case of theft or loss.
- Have security software on your smartphone or tablet.
