Your Smart Phone Security - Security Degree Hub

How is your Smart Phone Security? If you walk away from it even for just a few minutes, could someone get access to your Information? There are approximately 6.37 Billion people in the world today using smartphone technology. And with these smartphones, there is a wide range of apps available for the user to install and download. Now, consider all the apps that are on your smartphone. Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, news apps, or even an email app. Now think about how secure your smartphone is if you walk away from it; even for just a few minutes.

Could someone get access to your personal information? And, how fast can they find out about you? Many of us do not consider the threats or risks of keeping saved information on our phones. Yet there are ways to prevent unwanted users from accessing information from your smartphones. Below are some important tips that can help keep your smartphone from being accessed or even hacked.

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Protect Sensitive Data

One of the first steps of defense is to have your smartphone locked, either by using a PIN or key code. Some phones allow the user to create their personal design pattern, as a way of locking and unlocking their phone. This prevents anyone from accessing any encrypted information without first having a code if your smartphone ever becomes lost or stolen. This is important for not just a personal iPhone, yet also for those who are using their phones for business or any work-related issues. Doing so will provide your boss with how secure your smartphone is, and how dedicated you are to keeping information secure.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Smart Phone Security

Many students will take advantage of local coffee shops that offer free wi-fi when doing their studies. Although this is a cheaper option than paying for your own internet, businesses tend to use open networks, which are unsecured. Students or anyone that uses these free wi-fi sites should avoid staying for long periods of time. It is also suggested to wipe your internet history before and after you leave the wi-fi spot as well. Consider deleting your history before flying, whether it is domestic or international flights. You don’t want anyone hacking your messages while your smartphone is off or in airplane mode and you are unable to access it properly.

Individuals should also be aware of the use of hotspots. Sometimes free hot spots are really fake, and just another way for a vindictive person to get personal information from an unexpected student. Once signed in to this unsecured hot spot, the malicious individual can enter any recorded information, such as passwords, and send it back to their own server.

Avoid Unnecessary Apps

When searching the web on your smartphone, it is common to see pop-ups for apps. Sometimes they can be accidentally downloaded on your phone without even realizing it. Once installed, it can cause your battery life to slow down or cause viruses. Getting into the habit of deleting apps that you normally do not use is a great way to prevent these problems from occurring. Cleaning out these apps every few weeks is also a good way to keep your phone working well.

Bottom Line on Smart Phone Protection

One way to know how secure your smartphone is, is by doing a routine check on the software system is working and any malware issues that pop up. Nowadays more people are using their phones for work-related business. Adding extra protection to secure work emails is essential when working outside of the workplace. For those using their personal iPhones to check work emails from co-workers or supervisors, they should always review and follow the company’s guidelines on securing information correctly and safely.

When you are ‘AFK’ at a public place, having your phone to automatically lock after a certain time, such as 30 seconds, is another smart tip to do. Although most people will take their phones with them to use the facilities, some may not think about it. The worst thing to happen is for a hacker to access your iPhone when you step away to use the restrooms.

Differences Between iPhones and Androids Smartphone Security

In most cases, iPhones are more secure than the Android types of phones. However, it really comes down to how much data a person uses and what exactly do they need their phone for. For example, a person is just using their phones to call, text, and occasionally check emails. In this case, an android phone will be a great choice. On the other end, depending on the model, iPhones may offer more security. However, iPhones do tend to drain your battery life faster than an Android phone does.

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