Protect Smartphone Data from Hackers
Smartphone Data: In modern times, using a smartphone has become just as imperative as breathing and eating. It’s hard to imagine existing without a smartphone, especially if you are a professional. Smartphones keep us updated and organized around the clock so we don’t miss out on important routine tasks.
The latest iteration of smartphones offered by various companies is capable of storing massive chunks of important data due to extended storage capabilities. The data we store in our smartphones might be personal in nature, including our credentials for various monetary services.
It is of utmost importance that the data doesn’t get exposed to potential criminals or thieves who would most definitely exploit that information for their own gain. Indeed, we saw recently what happened when Apple’s iCloud service got hacked.
It resulted in a major privacy intrusion for a wide array of people. Data theft can be quite harmful, so let us consider some simple, yet effective steps which can help you keep your smartphone data safe and secure!
Keep Your Device Updated
Software updates are crucial for protecting your smart devices against potential threats. Hackers are coming up with new and advanced techniques to hack into devices in order to carry out their villainous deeds.
As such, companies update their smartphone security definitions in order to counter these threats. So it is important that you update your devices to the latest software available.
The update process can take up a lot of time and data. So it is advised always to use a Wi-Fi connection to install the updates. If you don’t have a stable Wi-Fi connection, various Buytvinternetphone packages offered in your area might help you with that.
Also, make sure that there is sufficient battery available on your device before continuing the update process. As because if the battery runs out during the update, that might cause incomplete installation, which could result in software glitches.
Ideally, you should avoid “jailbreaking” or “root” processes on your device, as this voids the warranty and opens you up to a higher risk of potential threats.
Protect the Important Data
In the days of old, a pin code or a screen lock was sufficient enough to protect your phone. These days, our smart devices are more like mini-computers hoarding a lot of important files and documents within them. Therefore, it is necessary to exercise greater precaution.
A number of companies offer built-in software for encryption of data files and additional locks which restrict the download or transfer of data from your device to other devices. Entire folders can be encrypted as well, in order to hide the contents from anyone accessing the same network space as you.
Another important step that you should consider is to upload your data to remote servers and cloud services offered by various companies, free of cost. Samsung offers you cloud storage just like Apple offers iCloud to store important data such as your credentials for various services.
Review What You Install and what’s on Your Device
You should always be aware of the various software installed on your device, and why you have it there. This way, you will always be aware of harmful files installed on your operating system.
A number of built-in security software packages can help you scan your device for potential threats which might harm your device and allow you to perform related safety measures.
Whenever you feel like downloading files and data on your smartphone, make sure that it’s from an authentic source.
A number of malicious viruses are attached with files downloaded from unreliable sources which hack into your device. Moreover, it thus leaking your data or giving them control of your device to a potential hacker. The software developer’s legitimacy also helps in determining if the software is reliable or not.
Protection in Wireless Environments
There are many free Wi-Fi spots available which are meant to help people in the current era of the Internet of Things (IoT). These Wi-Fi hotspots might be available in office spaces, and anyone with a smartphone can access them.
The people accessing these Wi-Fi hotspots don’t always have good intentions. Some of them could be potential hackers trying to access important data. Advanced devices possess increased security measures to counter this risk. But every security lock can be broken with enough time and dedication.
Always be sure to turn off your Wi-Fi when you are not using it. So that it doesn’t automatically access public access points. Changing your network settings might also help when you are traveling. So that you can turn off auto-connect to Wi-Fi to make sure that malicious devices aren’t able to access your device and data.
Be Prepared for Disaster
You need to be alert and prepare yourself in case your smartphone gets stolen. It is important that you are able to protect your important data if such a scenario takes place. A good practice is to always keep a backup of your data so you don’t have to suffer from losing important stuff.
Call your service provider immediately if you lose your phone and tell them to lock it. That would restrict any further access into your data files, even if the SIM card is removed afterward.
Companies like Apple and Google give you the “find my device” feature, which lets you locate your devices on the map. You can even lock your device to restrict further access or erase the data on it if the need arises.
Mind Your Lock Screen
It is advisable to hide your lock screen notifications from within the settings bar. You never know what sort of important data someone might glean right from your lock screen. It could be enough to give them valuable information and motivation to carry out their crimes.
For example, you might get an email from your bank notifying that your payment has been transferred, and the amount of the payment might also be visible on the screen.
You should also deactivate personal assistants like Bigsby and Siri from the lock screen. So that their services cannot be used without putting in your designated pin code. This can be done simply by accessing the settings tab on your phone.
Applying these steps will definitely help you to protect your smartphone data and to put your mind at ease while traveling. You should be well-versed with all the features your phone offers for data safety. So try to implement them whenever you can to be on the safer side.
We hope that you stay safe from data theft or any related catastrophe which might put you at risk.