About a decade ago, most people’s personal files were stored on one device; their computer. This, however, is no longer the case. Nearly every person reading this has a smartphone of sorts, be it old or new, expensive or more affordable. These portable devices store loads of personal information, pictures, texts and other files that most would like to keep private.
What is Smartphone Security?
While your personal computer sits on your desk and in most cases is only vulnerable to online attacks, the smartphone is a relatively small device that we carry with us everywhere and thus if lost, could seriously compromise the data on it as well. The term "mobile device security" describes the safeguards put in place to guard sensitive data transmitted and stored on computers, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other portable devices. The primary objective of mobile device security is to prevent unauthorized users from entering the corporate network. It is a portion of a comprehensive enterprise security strategy.
Mobile devices like laptops, tablets, and smartphones that can function as desktop PCs are the way of the future for computing and communication. They are perfect for use from any location with an internet connection due to their size, operating systems, applications, and computing power. Also, every piece of hardware that has been upgraded with this software and functionality turns into a mobile computing device with the growth of ruggedized devices, the Internet of Things (IoT), and operating systems like Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows 10.
Organizations and users have purchased and used mobile devices over desktop computers because they are more accessible and portable. However, due to the widespread use of wireless internet connections, all types of mobile devices are more susceptible to assaults and data breaches.
How to protect your phone’s data from being compromised?
There is no single answer to this question.
The fundamental security needs for mobile devices and non-mobile computers are the same. In general, the duties are to uphold and safeguard non-repudiation, secrecy, and integrity.
A new concept of security for personal computing devices is necessary due to the new opportunities and difficulties that today's mobile security trends bring forth. For instance, capabilities and expectations differ depending on a device's form factor (its size and shape), new security technologies, fast changing threat strategies, and device interactions including touch, audio, and video. In light of device capabilities, the mobile threat landscape, and evolving user expectations, IT companies and security teams need to reevaluate how to meet security requirements.
In other words, in the dynamic and ever-expanding mobile device ecosystem, these specialists must secure different vulnerabilities. Enterprise mobility management, email security, endpoint protection, VPN, secure gateways, and cloud access broker are the six main areas of protection offered by a secure mobile environment. There are few things that can be done to improve the security of your phone and we recommend you apply all of them. Let’s begin:
1. Keep the software up to date:
Whether it’s within the operating system or individual applications, new vulnerabilities are discovered by people with malicious intent. Developers are constantly applying security patches to get rid of such threats, thus keeping your software up to date can greatly improve your smartphone security and we strongly recommend it.
2. Use a screen lock:
Be it a PIN code, pattern lock or biometric security, having a lock on your phone keeps your data safe if the device is lost, stolen or in the wrong hands for a temporary time.
3. Be cautious when installing apps:
Most applications you install require certain permissions to function, including the ability to read the stored files, and access to a microphone and even a camera. A lot of apps legitimately need these permissions to run properly, however some do not and want them to collect data on the users. If you are installing a calculator app on your phone and see that it wants to access your files or call logs, better choose a different app.
Android also lets you install apps from third-party sources. Be vigilant when installing such apps and double check the source's trustworthiness. We strongly advise against installing anything from unfamiliar websites.
4. Always use a VPN when connecting to open Wi-Fi:
There is a serious risk of other people on the network having the ability to snoop on your online activities. Using a VPN ensures that all of the traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel.
5. Limit what you post on social media:
Social engineering attacks are not uncommon and require no breach of data. If someone can collect enough of very personal info about you from your social media posts, they can use it to reset some of your passwords and even impersonate you online.
Do you value your privacy online?
Use VPN Surf and surf safely and securely in the open waters of the internet.
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