6 Simple Ways to Secure Your Smartphone | Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.

We’ve heard time and time again that smartphones are more secure than computers, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore phone safety altogether. Hackers are much more likely to steal data from you if you leave your phone unprotected. Reduce the chance of being hacked by taking these smartphone safety precautions.

A startling 25 percent of smartphone users don’t have any kind of lock on their phone, whether it be a pin code, password, fingerprint scanner, pattern or something else.1 In this day and age, that’s just asking for someone to snoop. You may not have much to fear at home, but the second you accidentally leave your phone on the table of a coffee shop or restaurant, you’re in hot water.

It doesn’t hurt to set up a second barrier just in case someone cracks the code on your lock screen. Protect sensitive information, such as credit card and bank account numbers, under another password that’s different from your lock screen password. All your passwords should be different from each other, and none of them should be throwaway passwords like 1234. Stay away from obvious choices like birthdays and anniversaries as well.

An outdated operating system makes your phone vulnerable to attacks that could be easily fended off by downloading the most recent security patches. Despite this, most smartphone owners only install updates when it’s convenient for them, creating a window of opportunity for hackers to strike. You can set your phone to automatically install updates so you don’t have to worry about approving them individually.

Some apps are created for the sole purpose of infecting your device with malware and gaining access to your personal information. Limit yourself to apps that have been approved by either the App Store or Google Play instead of those available through a questionable third party. Check the “permissions” each app requests, such as access to your contacts or photos, and don’t download apps that seem to ask for too much information or access. If you really want to play it safe, only download apps that already have millions of downloads.

Remote wiping allows you to wipe your smartphone of all its data should it fall into the wrong hands. You must back up your data on a hard drive or in cloud storage first so you don’t lose everything if you need to perform a remote wipe. Then, if you lose your phone and can’t find it, authorize the remote wipe from a separate device.

Whenever you use free Wi-Fi at a hotel, airport or restaurant, you are using an unsecured connection. That means anyone can spy on your phone through that network and get any personal information you’re entering, such as an email password or banking information.

Criminals are finding new ways to circumvent device protections every day, which is why we must also evolve to stay one step ahead. At Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc., we stay up to date by offering electronic locks, keypads, biometric equipment and other cutting-edge security measures in addition to more traditional locksmith services. If your home or business could benefit from some extra security, call us today at (713) 643-5767 for your fast price quote!