The world today is quite reliant on mobile technology. From commercial to civilian use, everyone has some variation of mobile tech such as a smartphone or tablet. This has made communication as simple as pressing a button and completely changed how we do things day-to-day. However, it has also created new security risks. To stay safe, here’s a quick list of things to know and ways to protect yourself.
1. Hackers’ strategies get more complex every day. One way to protect yourself is to understand that methods of bypassing security get better every day. Never let your guard down.
2. Have a strong password. A password is the first piece of defense you have in mobile security. It’s good to have if you lose your smartphone on the job. Your password should be complex and changed periodically.
3. Invest in anti-virus software. Even mobile devices have compatible anti-virus programs. Whether you use a phone, tablet, or laptop, it’s good to keep them all up to date with the latest anti-virus programs. Malware comes in all forms from various links or emails, and when you don’t have the tools to protect yourself, it can ruin your hardware.
4. Avoid public connections. If you can, stay away from open or public Wi-Fi hotspots. These are a hotbed for unprotected information, and hackers can hijack your personal data. Instead, use your own dedicated phone service as an Internet hotspot. If you absolutely need to use public Wi-Fi, be sure to take all necessary precautions and don’t expose any sensitive information.
5. Ignore strange emails. Phishing scams and other email-related security threats have evolved in threat since their introduction to the Internet. If you ever receive an email that seems bizarre in nature (e.g., a message from someone who claims to be an administrator of an account or an email with spelling errors), ignore it.
6. Avoid junk apps. You might think that because it’s on Apple’s app store, it’s not a security threat. Unfortunately, numerous apps exist that not only hog up processing power but also demand access to a laundry list of personal information. Always do a little research before downloading apps you may not need.
7. Practice scrutiny and common sense. Ultimately, your best weapon regarding mobile security is good judgment. Don’t download strange software, respond to unusual messages, or visit websites with bad security reputations. Hackers and malicious parties rely on human error and poor decisions a majority of the time. Simply take a moment to consider your actions and you’ll be safer than ever.
There are still plenty of other ways to keep your mobile devices safe, but practicing the above will keep you out of harm’s way most of the time.