10 simple steps to improve your smartphone’s security and privacy
Our phones are a crucial part of our everyday lives. As they store more of our personal information than ever before, it's vital to keep them safe from cyber threats.
Your phone contains sensitive emails, financial transactions and other important data that you want to protect.
Keeping your smartphone safe and private is important, regardless of whether you use an iPhone or an Android device.
We're going to give you some simple steps to strengthen your device and keep your phone secure.
1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security feature that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. It requires you to enter not only your password but also a unique code that is sent to your phone or email every time you log in. This typically involves receiving a code on another device or through SMS. This way, even if someone steals your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the code.
You should turn on 2FA for any account that contains sensitive or personal information, such as your email, social media, banking, or shopping accounts. By doing so, you can prevent hackers from stealing your identity, money, or data. 2FA is especially important when you are using public or shared devices, such as computers in a library or cafe, where your password could be easily compromised. 2FA can also help you recover your account if you forget your password or lose access to your device. For both iPhones and Android phones, enabling 2FA is straightforward.
For iPhone:
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For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
2. Perform regular software updates
Developers frequently release updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve overall security. Both Apple and Android issue updates regularly, so check for and install them often.
3. Review app permissions
Apps often request access to various features and data on your smartphone, like your Location, Photos, Live Activities, Microphone, Camera, Face ID and Cellular Data. Limiting access to only essential functions enhances your privacy and reduces the likelihood of apps mishandling your data.
For iPhone:
For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
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4. Keep sensitive notifications off the lock screen
By keeping sensitive notifications off the lock screen, you ensure that prying eyes won't have easy access to your private messages, emails or other confidential information.
For iPhone:
For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
5. Have good antivirus software on all your devices
Effective antivirus software is a must-have to protect against scammers and hackers who try to steal your money and personal information, especially through phishing. The best way to protect yourself from clicking on any malicious links, fake websites, phishing emails, and text messages is to have antivirus protection installed and actively running on all your devices. It’s the best to help stop and alert you of any malware in your system and ultimately protect you from being hacked.
See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
6. Prioritize regular backups to safeguard your data
Making data backups a regular part of your smartphone maintenance is crucial. This way, you can protect yourself against uncertainties. Whether it's a hardware malfunction or a security breach, having a recent backup will let you recover quickly.
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7. Enable biometric authentication
When you use biometric authentication on an iPhone or Android, such as fingerprint or face recognition, you can keep others from unlocking your phone or accessing your apps.
For iPhone:
For Android:
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
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Note on some Android phones. You can go to settings, tap Biometrics and security, click Face Recognition, type in your PIN, and toggle on Face unlock
8. Download only trusted apps
Only download apps from official app stores such as Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. These stores have strict guidelines for app developers to follow, which helps ensure that the apps are safe to use. Before downloading an app, read reviews from other users. This can help you identify any potential issues with the app, such as privacy concerns.
9. Activate spam filters for text messages
Having a strong spam filter on your smartphone is beneficial to protect yourself from unwanted text messages and scams. However, this may also filter out some legitimate messages from people who are not in your contacts list.
For iPhone:
For Android:
Depending on your device model and messaging app, the steps may vary
MORE: HOW TO BLOCK THOSE UNWANTED AND ANNOYING SPAM EMAILS
10. Invest in protective screens and cases
It's important to take both digital and physical precautions to keep your smartphone safe and secure. One simple way to do this is by using protective screens and cases. These can help your device last longer and better withstand everyday wear and tear.
Protective Screens:
Protective Cases:
Bonus tip
If you want to go the extra mile toward keeping your phone secure, think about how and where you use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth or charge your device. Cybercriminals can use open connections to gain unauthorized access to it.
For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth:
For charging:
Kurt's key takeaways
Securing your smartphone is necessary to guard your personal information from cyber threats. These simple steps go a long way in protecting your device and providing you with peace of mind.
Should smartphone manufacturers do more to protect your privacy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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