Let’s be honest: most people can’t imagine their lives without mobile devices. One smartphone can be used to help you with almost all your daily tasks: you wake up and go to bed with a phone in your hand. It is really convenient to have all-in-one-place but have you ever wondered if your personal data is secured? Photos and messages could be compromised, and your mobile banking, business documents, or online accounts also serve as tempting bait for hackers.
The good news is that security starts with your awareness. There are ways not just to answer but to avoid questions like “Is my phone hacked?” When you know about best security practices and the most effective tools like VeePN, you can protect your smartphone from unscrupulous individuals and keep your personal data safe.
There are some tips you can leverage right now!
Use trusted sources only.
If you’re browsing for a new application, let’s say a game, use AppStore for iOS and Google Play for Android to prevent questions like “how to remove a hacker from my phone.” When you download apps from the Internet, you don’t have several layers of security because no one will check the credibility of the specific developer for you. The only thing you can do is to read the privacy policy to understand exactly what kind of data it will access. Besides, it would be a good idea to check reviews from other users. It is easy to understand that hackers can replace policies and reviews; that’s why AppStore and Google Play are the best platforms – they check all software providers, and they don’t want to compromise their reputation.
Install VPN
VPN apps are tools that take your smartphone’s security to the next level. Whether you want to keep your online activity private from your ISP, wireless carrier, or authorities, it is possible with a VPN – Virtual Private Network. This type of software creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server that could be located anywhere else. It means that you change your location within seconds, and no one can follow your tracks. Plus, such tools provide you with an extra layer of protection when you’re connecting to an unsecured network at the coffee shop or public library. If you’ve never tried this software before, start with a VPN free trial to analyze the benefits you can get. But if you’re an active Internet user, choosing a paid version and leveraging advanced features is better.
Choose reliable passwords and enable 2FA
It goes not only about your PIN but also about passwords for any accounts – whether it is mobile banking or social media. Setting this up will take you a couple of minutes, but for the sake of the security of the mobile phone, you have to come up with a strong password that will not be that easy to crack. There are some working tips to consider:
- Make it long. The shorter your code is, the easier it is to hack, even without special software. Modern security experts recommend passwords of 12-16 characters.
- Choose a phrase. We bet you know that it is a bad idea to use your pet’s name as well as the birth date. But if you choose a sentence that is easy for you to remember and meaningful and convert it into a secure code using numbers, letters, and special characters, there is almost no chance for it to be cracked.
- Use a password manager. There are secure applications that help you to create a random passcode or to test the strength of your one. It will take you some time to find a reliable tool that doesn’t use cloud-based storage, but you can expect this investment to pay off, just like with VPN apps.
It is also necessary to mention the importance of two-factor authentication. Since even the strongest passwords are not foolproof, it is better to add a second layer of security used to make sure that you’re who you say you are. With 2FA enabled, it will not be enough to enter your username and password; your smartphone will ask you to provide another piece of information. There are many options for secure mobile devices: a PIN, a keystroke password, a hardware token, or even a biometric pattern of a fingerprint. You can use 2FA for apps and folders that contain sensitive data, e.g., your mailbox.
Don’t forget to update your operating system and applications.
If you have never thought about your smartphone’s protection, you might not realize that periodic updates come with new features and security improvements. Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities, and software developers are constantly reviewing their approaches. That’s why if you procrastinate with an update installation, you might be in a situation where your smartphone is compromised.
Actually, there are many additional ways to ensure your data is protected. You can back it up, log out from sites that you no longer use, turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you don’t need them, etc. You should be on the cutting edge of cybersecurity and understand that your privacy is at stake. Use the best security practices, and don’t dismiss a VPN
free trial to avoid any undesirable interventions!
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