Phone Security: 10 Ways to Keep Your Phone Secure

Phone security is one of the most pressing issues of our time, so here at Telpug, we take this very seriously. There are several steps you can take to ensure your phone’s security, and the best part is that most of these methods are free. Here are 10 ways to stay diligent and protect your phone from cyber criminals.

1. Lock Your Phone

It’s non-negotiable—lock your screen. The first step you’ll ever take to secure your phone is to lock it. If your unlocked phone is ever stolen, anyone can access your apps, notes, e-mails, and messages and get all your information. It would make identity theft all too easy for the thief.

2. Enable Fingerprint Unlock

All phones offer PIN unlock features, and more and more are adopting fingerprint unlock features. However, if you opt for just the PIN unlock feature, someone can easily follow your fingers if they’re looking over your shoulder. But we reckon it’s pretty hard to hack or imitate someone’s fingertips.

3. Turn On Face ID

Aside from PIN codes and fingerprint unlock features, safe smartphones also offer facial recognition technology to unlock your phone. Your phone camera can automatically detect if someone who isn’t you is holding your phone, and the phone will remain locked until it recognizes your features. Enable facial recognition ID for an extra layer of protection.

4. Install Authenticator Apps

Two-step verification is becoming normalized, which is why it’s in your best interest to install an authenticator app on your phone. Apps like Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, and more require two-step verification to prevent hackers and scammers from accessing your private accounts. But to use this extra security step, you’ll need to turn on two-step verification processes on your accounts.

5. Download Antivirus Apps

Ten years ago, computer viruses were at their peak. But now, cybercriminals are targeting mobile phones since that’s where most people spend their time. All phones can receive viruses, and some viruses can even hack your Facebook account and send out mass messages linking to a corrupt site. To prevent this from happening, install a free or affordable antivirus app on your phone.

6. Connect to Secure Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is becoming more accessible in urban areas. While the intentions behind it are benign, the reality is that public Wi-Fi connections are rarely secure. Anyone could hijack the network and make it easier to steal your private information if you connect to a public network. That’s why it’s always safer to load your phone and use data to access the internet. And services like Telpug come in handy when you need to top up your phone.

7. Install Software Updates

Android and iOs regularly provide software updates to ensure your phone’s security. Although software updates can be tedious, they’re essential to keeping your phone updated and protected. The minute there’s a software update notification, download it. You won’t regret it.

8. Create Complex Passwords

If your password is 1234 or qwerty, then you’re a sitting duck. Even using your birthday or middle name as your password drastically increases your chances of getting hacked. Complex passwords are the easy solution, which is why more platforms require users to include a letter, number, and symbol in their passwords.

9. Never Repeat Passwords

Unless you’re willing to risk getting hacked, never repeat passwords for multiple accounts. Change one or two letters or come up with your own system or code, so it’s easier to remember the slight differences. But whatever you do, don’t give hackers the opportunity to hack more than one account with just one password.

10. Don’t Save Passwords

No matter how complicated your password is, don’t save it. At least on your phone. Your mobile might offer to store your passwords to save you time and stress, but cybercriminals get more creative by the day. Don’t put your passwords anywhere online. Instead, you can write them down on a piece of paper you can burn or create your own code to remember your passwords.

Conclusion

Nowadays, your seemingly safe smartphone can get hacked within minutes if you just click the wrong link or open a dubious email. Hacked bank accounts, credit card fraud, and identity theft are just some of the crimes that digital criminals can commit if they can get their hands on your information. Therefore, it’s crucial to be alert. And when you need to top up your mobile online, Telpug is here to help you, anytime.