There was a time where our phones were just big, chunky bricks only capable of calling other people. Now they’re our digital Swiss Army knife, with cloud storage, emails, messaging, a calculator, and hundreds of apps that help us with work and so much more. But phones are only going to continue to improve and we’re going to rely on them more and more.
And with the lines between work and home life blurring, our phones have become essential tools in our jobs. Over three-quarters of the UK use their personal device for work. With this in mind, it’s critical we make sure it’s secure. With so much important information on these devices we take everywhere with us, we can easily open ourselves up to hackers and cyber attacks. So what simple ways can you look after your mobile phone security?
Lock your apps
We all know you can add a password to your phone to stop people from browsing through it, but you can also lock individual apps. This is particularly useful for those who use their phone for work and simply can’t delete sensitive files.
This way, you can protect sensitive information with not one password (the one you use to unlock your phone) but two. Or, if you don’t want to lock your apps, you can simply log out each time to protect your information.
Install an antivirus app
We all have antivirus for our computers and laptops, so why not for our phones too? It may seem redundant as most phones already have protection against malware, but these measures sometimes just aren’t enough.
For example, Google removes malware it finds in the Play Store. But this just tells us that malware can find a way onto the Play Store. You may download an app infected with malware before Google can remove it. Not all built-in protection is strong enough, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off when you aren’t using it
Keeping either of these on essentially just opens you up to hackers. Hackers can intercept and change the data sent over Bluetooth. And, sadly, public Wi-Fi – though convenient and free – can be dangerous too. Instead of connecting to the Wi-Fi, you could be sending your data directly to a hacker. Hackers can also use unsecure public Wi-Fi to distribute malware.
Don’t use public chargers
I’m sure this one is hard for many to hear, but it just isn’t safe. When you plug in your phone at the train station, airport, Starbucks, or wherever you are, the port doesn’t just charge your phone; it transmits data.
A compromised charging station could give a hacker access to just about anything in your phone, including texts, emails, and photos. If you regularly find yourself low on battery when out and about, it might be time to invest in a power bank.
As we use our mobile phones more often, it’s essential that we protect the sensitive information on them. Following these tips won’t make your phone immune from cybercriminals, but they will make the chances of you falling victim to an attack much less likely.
Nisyst Cyber Security has been leading the UK tech scene for over 30 years. We can help you look after your mobile phone security. Ready to protect your business? Call us now on 01204 706 000.
