5 Simple Tips to Protect your Mobile Phone

A recent research study reveals the risks several smart phone users are taking by not protecting their handsets.

18:08 05 October 2015

More than half of adults in the UK think their mobile phone and the data sitting on it would be absolutely safe, should it be lost or stolen. Most of these adults don’t have a reliable security app installed on their devices.

Here are a few basic tips to help keep your phone and the data on it safe.

 

1)Note the unique identity number of your phone

 

The International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) is the unique identification code that identifies your phone to the network it is connected to, and is available on the back of your phones right below the battery. Register your smart phone’s IMEI and other details for tracking just in case it is stolen.

 

2)Pin down your hone remotely and erase data in case you lose it

 

Many smartphones are now intelligent enough to run advanced applications that allow you to prevent someone accessing your confidential data and if you’re certain you cannot get your phone back, to wipe the data on your phone. There are services out there that can help you find your stolen phone by making use of its GPS functionality to locate where it is.

 

3)Be careful about what permissions you are giving applications

 

Think about the main purpose of an app, where you download it from and who developed it. Check out the basic permissions that an app requests. A common trick many hackers employ is to create a duplicate copy of a trusted app and host it on an unregulated app store. And, to attract people to download the app, they might place this app for free on a different site.

 

4)Be wary of free WiFi

 

However alluring it may be to hook your phone to internet on free WiFi spots when you’re away from home, think about who is offering that service and why. By connecting to Internet using an untrusted mobile network, you could fall into the trap of a hacker and give away confidential information such as banking details, email information etc. 

 

5)Backup.. Backup..Always Backup

 

How distressing would it be to lose your smart phone, contacts and all the images and videos? 

Be sure to have multiple backups of your phone data. As simple as that!