While we have many people that come to our cybersecurity company in Miami to improve their network security, we often see one weak point that businesses and people overlook: smartphone hacking.
If you're not safeguarding your smartphone from hackers, you're leaving your information at risk.
4 Tips for Safeguarding Your Smartphone from Hackers
1. Use VPNs on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Many business professionals have meetings at local cafes or Starbucks. It's a comfortable meeting place with a great atmosphere and is known for being a hotspot for people doing work. However, logging into a public Wi-Fi is risky.
Instead, you should use a VPN so that the data you transmit is on a private, secure network.
Many VPNs also encrypt your data so that potential hackers can't read the data even if they can intercept it. If you are using public Wi-Fi at a café or a hotel, you're at risk of having your identity stolen using key hacking methods, such as:
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
- Packet sniffing
- Sidejacking or session hijacking
- Fake Wi-Fi connections
- More
VPNs protect against all of these threats so that you can confidently use your smartphone.
2. Add Extra Layers of Locking Security
Phones come with advanced security measures already, but you must enable them. If you use a phone for personal or business use, one of the easiest forms of security are:
- Pin
- Fingerprint
- Facial ID
If you make it more difficult to open your device, you drastically reduce the risk of others accessing it if you forget it at a café or leave it unattended.
3. Only Install Official Apps
Your phone has an app store, whether it's Google Play or Apple's App Store. If your phone is unlocked, you may be tempted to install APKs or apps that don't come from these official stores. While you may save money or find apps that you won't find on an official store, it's risky.
App stores have stringent security requirements in place and remove malicious apps promptly.
If you don't avoid unofficial apps, you risk:
- Malicious apps being installed
- Counterfeit apps making it onto your device
- Allowing apps access to your passwords and credit card numbers
- More
If you allow workers to bring smartphones home with them, it's vital to have strict policies for the apps they're allowed to install.
4. Install Mobile Security Software
Mobile phone apps go beyond games and productivity tools. You can and should have an antivirus, malware and other software security apps installed. These apps will protect your device from potential security risks and help keep your data safe.
Mobile security apps offer advanced protection for your smartphone with the tap of a finger.
Note: Also, be sure to update your phone's operating system promptly once new updates are released. Updated operating systems protect against the most recent security risks.
In a world where over 55% of people use their smartphones for personal and business use, it's time for people to start securing their smartphones. Our cybersecurity company in Miami can help your business strengthen its security measures and reduce the risk of hackers infiltrating your most sensitive data.