We use our mobile devices for just about everything these days – work, social, personal, etc. If we do not proactively take steps to protect ourselves on our devices, we are allowing ourselves to be vulnerable to phishing, hackers and compromised data. Take a minute to read up on some top cybersecurity tips as a reminder to make sure your cellphone is secure. 

Educate Yourself on Best Cybersecurity Practices

Effectively educating yourself on the top cybersecurity practices frequently will ensure your privacy and safety on your device. When your phone is not secure, data leakage is extremely common. We all use our mobile devices to browse the internet, apps, and most commonly email. Email phishing and spam attacks are huge and can be a huge breach of your data if you are not addressing them immediately.

Secure Your Phone

Accurately securing your phone is crucial to good cybersecurity. Having a password is key to ensuring your phone’s security. Creating a good password, whether that be a combination of numbers and letters, your fingerprint, facial recognition, or even eye recognition will boost strong security. It is very smart to also have your apps password protected to add another layer of security. 

If possible, incorporate a two-factor authentication. This is a great option for apps you use less frequently or that have a lot of personal data in them. When using two-factor authentication, you will first enter a password. You then will receive a code via email or SMS to enter to get into your account. 

Avoid Public or Open Wi-Fi Networks 

I know we all have times where we are reliant on a good internet connection but try as much as possible to not connect to public or open Wi-Fi networks. Public and open networks bring many threats to your device as they are visible to anyone on that network.

If you absolutely need internet, utilize your data plan, or install a VPN to keep your phone secure and hidden from open networks. This is a reminder if your home internet or hotspot isn’t password-protected, do it now! 

Update Your Applications and Device

It is very important to frequently update your applications and device software. If you get a notification something needs an update, do it as soon as you possibly can. When you install an application, read through the user permissions to know what it needs access to. Only give permissions when you are running the app, not at all times. If there is an app you are not using, be sure to shut off those permissions or delete the app altogether. If you don’t intend to use the app for video or photo use but it asks for it, it may not be the best app to install. 

Our lives are very much on our mobile devices, so it is important we have good practices in place to combat cyber threats. Incorporate these tips or use them as a checklist to ensure your device and your data are secure.