With today’s technology ever growing towards being close to a user, smartphones are becoming our best friends. They have most if not all our information in digital version and can even plan your whole day, month and even year. It can also be used to conduct financial transactions with multiple banks and financial apps storing metadata of login credentials and account information.

With all this information in one place, there is a need to secure our mobile devices. Although there is no smartphone that is completely secure, we can do as much as possible to secure them to minimize the risk of attacks by hackers. The main issue is to adhere to the general mobile device guidelines and you will be closer to achieving information security on your mobile device.

1. Always back up your smartphone data. This can be achieved through our google accounts for Android devices and Apple accounts for IOS devices.
2. Avoid opening email links from untrusted or unfamiliar sources. This might be phishing scams trying to connect to your device to collect information.
3. Always use different passwords for different accounts on your device. This reduces the risk of all accounts being affected in case of a hack.
4. Disable all connections and services when not in use. This includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared. Avoid connecting to open public networks or propagating your mobile network via tethering without proper security using complex passwords/passphrase.
5. Don’t post online while using geo-tagging or save your work and home locations to navigation applications. This can enable someone to track your whereabouts and create opportunities for attacks.
6. Use financial applications and websites only on private secured or mobile networks. If you have to use these apps or websites on public networks, use Virtual Private Networks (VPN) that have encryptions to protect your credentials from hackers.
7. Enable remote wipe for your phone in case your phone is stolen, you can erase all data on the phone at an instance. This can be done with features that can track and locate your phone for recovery.
8. Always update your phone software and applications to the latest patches. Every patch usually addresses issues raised by a community of evaluators and are meant to secure the devices and information contained in them.
9. Make it a habit to encrypt your mobile devices and lock them with a password. This will prevent someone from accessing the data inside the phone in case it is stolen. It is wise though to add information on emergency contact in case of emergency situations where you as the owner are not able to access the phone but assistance personnel require your basic details and need to contact next of keen.
10. Do not install applications from third-party sites. Only use the Google Play Store and Apple Store as official locations for apps.
11. Use cloud storage facilities that are encrypted for storing your personal data. Enable two factor (two-step) verification for all critical accounts that contain your information.
12. Go through all apps to see what information they are accessing. You might be surprised what you have agreed to when downloading the app.
13. Install antivirus software on Android devices. Generally speaking, iPhones don’t have or need antivirus software, but Android devices definitely do.
14. Do not “Root” your Android or “Jailbreak” your iPhone. This is a process that gives you complete access to your device, but in doing so, removes many of the safeguards that the manufacturers have put in place.

Remember, those who are lazy with their mobile device security become easy targets for hackers and other cybercriminals. Help protect yourself by following these tips.