You spend more time with your cell phone at your side than you do with your wife. The gadget is liked by many people who, due to “proximity”, end up treating it as an intimate friend. In recent times, however,
They have become the preferred target of cybercriminals, who take advantage of users’ sloppiness and end up managing to hack and break into devices. For this reason, you probably don’t want to leave it unprotected and want to take advantage of as many resources as possible to keep it safe.
Check out 10 useful tips to keep your device out of trouble.
1.Use passwords on everything you can
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You can prevent others from accessing the device using a password (or, also, unlock pattern on Android). There is no doubt that this is the most basic form of security, but it is extremely efficient and prevents confidential information from being viewed by others.
Some applications offer the possibility to add a password to protect access to the software. Still, it is advisable to protect access to the device’s home screen to protect applications that may contain sensitive information and private content, such as Mail on the iPhone and Gmail on Android.
2. Protect your accounts on iCloud and Google
A lot of people don’t know this, but if someone can access your iCloud or Google account, they can access a lot of information and content. An efficient way to prevent this from happening is to enable two-step authentication on both accounts.
Both Apple ID and Google Account control access to any and all services offered by companies that are associated with your smartphone. If a stranger has access to them, he will not only be able to use your information but will also be able to delete all files and data remotely without your knowledge.
3. Avoid jailbreaking or rooting your device
If you really know what you are doing and are aware of the implications of these procedures, then that’s fine. However, if you are only trying to do them because you heard someone talk about it, or there is some room for doubt about the idea in your head, then avoid them.
What is jailbreak?
It is not uncommon for reports of people who executed the processes and ended up turning their smartphones into a paperweight. Those who have been successful, on the other hand, often complain about the inability to update operating systems to the latest definitions released by manufacturers.
After all, what is the ‘Root’ of Android devices and how does it work?
It is true that it is possible to install some interesting applications and customize the device settings so that it looks nice, but it also means that you may be installing apps that contain malicious software. But that concerns the next item.
4. Be careful with the apps you install
This advice is especially useful for those using Android. Google recently removed more than 50,000 apps suspected of being malicious software. This is mainly due to the fact that Google is flexible – and sometimes even very compromising – with the apps that are included on Google Play.
After all, is Google Play infested with malware or not?
In the Apple App Store, things are a little different. Apple scans all apps submitted to the store and vetoes anyone who has any hint of malicious code. Although it helps to curb and prevent more serious cases, this does not mean that there are no attempts and / or applications that go unnoticed by the company.
Before you download and install any app, be sure to read its recommendations and search for information about it on the internet.
5. Prefer official apps
If you are making financial transactions – whether at the bank or on the stock exchange – always give preference to the application designed for this. It is better to use an official application, which has all possible security measures to protect your data and information than to expose yourself using your phone’s browser.
6. Control what applications can access
We often encounter the message “‘Such an application’ wants to access ‘some of your data'” on the iPhone. Make sure you always read the message completely and make sure that that application can access that information and do not leave it by simply clicking “OK” every time.
If you’re going to click on something all the time, it’s better to be “Do not allow”. If this prevents the app from working correctly, you can modify the option manually later.
On Android, things are much worse and applications often ask for permission to access data that will never be used. Some time ago Lifehacker made a publication (in English) teaching people how to protect themselves from applications that require a lot of access. So be aware and be careful with that.
7. Make a habit of backing up your data
Unfortunately, we Latin Americans still do not understand the importance of the habit of backing up our data.
It is important both when you accidentally drop your smartphone into a pool, and when it is stolen, or even if you need to format it.
On the iPhone, it is possible to backup files locally using iTunes or in the cloud using iCloud. In case of doubt, it is good to use both only “to guarantee”.
Android, on the other hand, has a built-in tool that backs up the most important user information. If you want to keep all information and files safe, the user will have to use third-party solutions.
8. Report the theft of your device
A database with information about stolen devices is shared by all operators and, if the thief tries to use the device, it will be stopped immediately.
Was your cell phone stolen or lost? Learn how to block it with your operator in cases of theft or robbery, the user can turn to the operator’s central to block and disable the device. To do this, just have the IMEI of the device and the case will be solved in a few minutes.
9. Keep your operating system up to date
If I Put My Sim Card In Another Phone What Will Happen? This advice is old and Windows users are tired of listening to it. Even so, it is important to say: always have the latest version of the operating system installed on your device.
Many consider it silly and believe that it deals only with cosmetic issues. But the truth is that your iOS or Android updates contain revisions that will help your device stay safe. You can wait a few days until you are sure that it will not affect your main applications, but never, ever, stop installing an update to your operating system.
10. Be careful where you use Wireless and Bluetooth
It may seem a little ridiculous, but when you’re not at home (or somewhere you know), turn off your wireless connection and your device’s Bluetooth and give preference to your 3G or 4G connection. Unlike your home network, which you set up with some zeal and security, wireless connections in most public places do not offer even the slightest security.
By connecting to them, you are vulnerable and susceptible to hacker attacks that may be keeping an eye on the network. It doesn’t matter if you are going to access the bank or just that gossip site: turn off the wireless network to avoid problems.
Problems involving Bluetooth intrusions are rarer, but the number of cases has increased in recent months. This fact has been occurring mainly by connecting devices to wearable devices, such as smartwatches, through the resource. It is enough that one of them has Bluetooth enabled and can be discovered for hackers to take advantage and steal data in the traffic between the device and your phone.
