Our mobile phones have become a necessity rather than a luxury. We use them for just about everything in our daily lives. Because of this, our phones hold more information about us than just about anything else we own. Prioritizing our data security and taking proactive measures to safeguard it is one of the most important steps you can take. So how do we protect data on our mobile phones?
Below is a list of strategies that can help enhance the security of your device.
To prevent unauthorized access, it's important to have strong passwords and use biometric features such as fingerprint authentication. Make sure your passwords have at least eight characters that contain a combination of letters and numbers.
It’s also important not to use the “remember me” feature on browsers, no matter how tempted you are to take advantage of this option. If you do, it makes it easier for people you don’t want to get access to your phones.
You’ll also want to change your passwords often to protect data. Experts suggest changing them every three months.
Your mobile phone needs to be updated whenever you get an alert that there is an update available. Mobile phones have firmware that can be at risk of security threats. Major mobile device firmware companies, such as Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS, roll out new updates frequently, and a lot of the updates have security patches for known susceptibilities on your mobile phone. It’s a good idea to set your mobile phone to update automatically.
Encryption renders all the data on your phone unreadable to unauthorized individuals unless they possess the necessary decryption code. If you own an iOS device, it’s automatically encrypted if you use a password to unlock your phone. If you own an Android, you should manually encrypt your phone.
Public Wi-Fi networks have significant vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can intercept network traffic and gain access to your passwords, usernames, and other sensitive information. Protect data by using applications that secure your connection or provide information about the status of the Wi-Fi network you're connected to. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is more secure than Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP).
You should also turn off all wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) when you’re not using them to help prevent automatic connection to unencrypted networks and conserve battery life.
Many mobile apps collect a surprising amount of information by default, often without your knowledge. For example, your maps app might track your location automatically. To maintain control over your personal details, review the settings of each app you download and determine what information it collects. Adjust the permissions accordingly to protect your privacy effectively.
To protect data, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This allows you to transmit and receive data with greater privacy than would otherwise be possible. It prevents your internet service provider from monitoring the websites you visit and potentially throttling your connection speed.
Losing access to critical information during a data breach can be devastating. To prevent such a scenario, regularly back up your data to a secure, cloud-based service or an external hard drive. This practice provides peace of mind and ensures a reliable backup should the need arise.
The best way to find out about the security of your device is to have it tested. There are plenty of device-testing services out there, from simple programs that identify malware to Phonecheck’s mobile diagnostics certification software that can identify up to 60 possible defects. If you’re worried that something may have already happened to a device you own, this is an excellent way to find out for sure.
It’s not a huge task to protect data, but it is an important one. Start with the easiest tasks listed above and gradually progress toward the more complicated ones as you gain confidence.
