Mobile Device Security Tips: Protect Your Smartphone From Hackers | Aura
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10 Ways to Secure Your Data and Mobile Devices:
1. Only download apps and programs from trusted sources:
Over 40% of Americans say they download software or files from third-party sources without knowing their origin. But unknown or open-source apps may sneak malware or spyware onto your devices. Free apps, especially mobile games, are often used to steal your data in the background.
2. Always perform recommended updates on your devices:
Don't skip out on upgrades for your browsers, operating system, devices, and antivirus software. These updates usually contain security patches that plug up known and emerging cyber threats. Skipping these makes you vulnerable for hackers to exploit. Consider enabling automatic updates.
3. Only browse secure online websites:
When you are about to put your credit card details online, look for the closed lock icon in the browser address bar. You can also look for the https in the beginning, NOT http. This will also help you avoid shopping scams.
4. Consider using a VPN:
A VPN provides a secure encrypted passage between your devices and a web server. This will protect your data when transported, which is when most cybercriminals steal sensitive data. Aura provides powerful antivirus and WiFi security, so you can shop and browse online with confidence.
5. Carefully research cloud data providers:
This one is a pro tip. Check their security and privacy settings before saving financial information, passwords, and other data in the cloud. Some providers may be entitled to sell your data, make it searchable, or continue accessing it even if you cancel your membership. What happens to your data if the company goes out of business or gets bought by another company? What guarantees do they provide in the event of a data breach? These are questions to ask yourself before moving forward.
6. Lock your devices with a passcode, and use biometrics:
Biometrics could include Touch ID, Face ID, fingerprint scans, or facial recognition. That way, only you can have access to your phone or tablet.
7. Activate Two-Factor Authentication:
This extra layer of security requires another step in your login process. That could be getting a unique access code to your cell phone, before allowing someone to log in to your accounts. Having said that, prefer to use an authenticator app for this code and not an SMS. If the phone gets stolen then the thieves will have access to the SMS code.
8. Use hard-to-guess passwords:
Combine letters, both uppercase and lowercase, numbers, symbols, punctuation, and uncommon phrases. The longer the password, the more challenging it is to crack. Make sure to use at least ten characters.
9. Don’t store passwords on your devices:
Sensitive information could be compromised during a data breach or discovered if your device is ever stolen. A whopping 47% of Americans allow others to use their personal devices, which means those other users could potentially access their accounts.
Unfortunately, due to the increase in data breaches, there’s a good chance your old (or current) passwords are available to hackers on the Dark Web. To see if you’re at risk, try the free Aura Dark Web Scanner
10. Use a password manager:
How are you going to remember all the passwords since they are complicated and you don’t save them on your device? A password manager stores and manages complex passwords for each account across your devices. Make sure to create a complex password to access the password manager itself, as that will serve as the gatekeeper for all your other passwords. In the end, this is the only password you need to remember.