Smartphone Security Check-Up: 5 Easy Safety Steps

Modern smartphones come equipped with impressive amounts of power and accessibility. They also place a tremendous amount of confidential data in a dangerous location: everywhere you go. That makes them a prime target for cybercriminals, who would love to hack the computer in your pocket.

Here are five steps you can take to secure your smartphone:

1. Manage app permissions. Mobile applications need permissions to operate correctly, yet some might ask for more access than necessary to function. Scrutinize permission requests to minimize the data and personal information you share.
2. Only download apps from reputable app stores and developers. Not all apps are as innocent as they may seem. Attackers have been known to develop apps that spread data-stealing malware (malicious software). Only use trustworthy app stores – and download apps from known developers. It is also wise to regularly review installed apps and to uninstall any that are no longer used.
3. Think before you click. Speaking of malware, keep in mind that smartphones are subject to many of the same vulnerabilities that harm typical computers. That’s why attackers will, for example, send you text messages with malicious links. Treat those messages with the same level of awareness you would with any phishing scam.
4. Physically secure your device. Not only does “security” mean knowing where your devices are, but it also includes setting up a passcode and immediately locking your device when not in use. Also, consider activating device location services, which are available on most modern devices. Those services allow you to locate a misplaced device or reset it to factory settings if the device is unretrievable.
5. Keep everything up to date. If possible, turn on automatic updates so your devices and apps are always current.

We recommend that you share these tips with a friend. You never know – you could help someone avoid financial disaster.

Visit the FIBT Education Center for even more tips on how to stay safe online and keep your financial information secure!

Source: KnowBe4