How to make your smartphone more secure
As the world of technology advancing, some smartphones are becoming more porous to hackers. However, we tend to be more concerned with the security of our laptops, but maybe we should do the same with our cell phones. Tips below can help you secure your smartphone.
I do not know if it is just an impression of mine, but it is a common phenomenon to deal much more with the security of our laptop and to leave aside for a while our mobile security.
However, it is possible that now an even greater part of our online activity is done through the smartphone and not so much the laptop. This is something that further increases the need to shield our mobile phones as much as possible. It may seem a little difficult, but there are five very simple ways that – you never know – can save you from serious problems.
1. The most basic: PIN
Yes, I know. We do not discover the elixir of youth. In recent years, mobile phones have been equipped with this line of defense in addition to the classic and traditional start PIN. Every time you open your mobile phone, you need to press a PIN, a pattern, or a fingerprint for the screen to be unlocked.
Prefer to put a PIN on the screen lock, ideally a PIN different from the one you started. It is much less convenient than fingerprint or biometrics. For better or worse, it remains your most basic line of defense against anyone who tries to enter your smartphone against your will.
2. Use the VPN
We are talking about Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). It is software that encrypts the connection from your device to a server through which you finally surf the Internet. A VPN connection can ensure you a much safer internet browsing without the risk of having your full connection history known. Caution! This in no way means absolute security.
3. Turn off your notifications
Let’s go to a real-world condition. Smartphones tend to keep you constantly informed through notifications coming from various applications you have downloaded.
The most common of all notifications are those from your messenger. So while it is very good to be aware of everything, there may be a security issue. Who can see these notifications in the subway or your office, or even in your home?
If you are worried about any of these, you can go to the Settings of your mobile and turn off the notifications from any application you consider more “dangerous.”
4. Check what you have given to the applications you are running
I am sure that if you open your applications and check what you have given to your various applications, you may find a big hole in the security of your mobile phone.
Yes, it does not need to know the game you downloaded six months ago, to shoot three-pointers, where you are at all times and what photos you have on your mobile phone. You can easily go to your applications and check the licenses you have given to each of your applications.
5. Encrypt everything
“Encryption ensures that if a third party tries to gain access to your data without your permission, they will not be able to read it.” I’m not saying it; Google is saying it. PINs and screen locks effectively prevent anyone from trying to access your mobile phone. But they do not do it on a technical level. So it would be good to encrypt your device disk. It may seem like a move to tech experts. Is not. You can do it very easily. You go to your settings and look for either “security” or even “encryption.” The process may take some time, so choose to do it when you do not need your smartphone.
