What you Need to Know about Cyber Security for Smartphones

If you are like most people today, then you have your phone with you at all times. This includes at work, when you go out, at home, and possibly even right next to you when you go to bed. Checking your mobile phone is many times the last thing a person does each day and the first thing someone looks at when they wake up in the morning. The population today is so reliant and connected to their phones that it becomes integrated into their lives.  Because it’s so much a part of one’s life, it is no surprise that phones contain tons of personal and confidential information such as account information, credit card numbers, and other personal information. This is even truer when it comes to work phones, which can contain sensitive work emails, company credit card information, and passwords. This makes mobile phones prime candidates for hackers.

Though many people are well aware that computers can be hacked, not many people put as much thought into the fact that mobile phones are at risk for attacks as well. The first is malicious apps and links. These can most commonly be found on social media sites. When you click the link or download the app, you open up your phone up to attacks. Phones can also be hacked the same way that computers are, through browsers, and even through SMS messages. Finally, your phone is vulnerable to attacks when connecting to WiFi. There are plenty of public WiFi networks out there, but use them at your own risk. You are logging onto WiFi networks that are not secure make it easy for hackers to hijack your device. Finally, if your phone is lost or stolen, information stored from online shopping can be accessed.

Once you are aware of the threats that exist, it’s a good idea to keep in mind some ways to protect your phone from hackers. There are a few steps one can take to ensure cyber security for smartphones. The first and easiest way to do this is to make sure your phone has a passcode. This will make it more difficult for anyone to access your information if your phone is lost or stolen. Next, don’t use public or open WiFi networks if your phone contains sensitive information or confidential data. Finally, just as you would on your computer, you can download security software that will help in preventing attacks. Some apps to look into including NowSecure Mobile, Clueful from Bitdefender, Skycure, and Find My iPhone and Android Device Manager in addition to many others.

Be smart and safe when it comes to accessing private and confidential information on your smartphone or any other electronic device including your computer. If you'd like to dispose of your old electronics, do it securely by contacting a certified recycler and asking for a quote.