Ways to Keep Your Smartphone Safe

 

It’s been many years since our cellphones were only used for calls and texting. Anyone who owns a smartphone essentially has a very small computer in their pocket or handbag, and those tiny computers contain a lot of sensitive data. Important documents, passwords, and personal information can be difficult to get back and can be used to cause almost infinite harm if put into the wrong hands. 

Ways to Keep Your Smartphone Safe

In this day and age, it is imperative that we take steps to protect our smartphones from physical damage and active theft. To help you get a better handle on smartphone safety, we’ve put together a quick guide listing the best ways to give your smartphone the security you deserve. 

Always Use a Drop Rated Case

Smartphones are open to a lot more security risks than you are probably aware. However, the most immediate risk to the data in your phone is physical damage. Even if you’re not as clumsy as the average person, you’ve probably dropped your phone at least once. 

If you’re lucky, a bad drop will only result in a cracked screen, but a more serious accident could instantly put your phone out of commission. Using ITSkins cases takes the majority of that risk off the table immediately. 

Turn Off WiFi and Bluetooth When Not in Use

Having your WiFi and Bluetooth constantly turned on is pretty convenient if you have the data and battery power to support it. Unfortunately, these two pathways make gaining access to your phone much easier for people who want to remotely mine your phone for sensitive data. Of the two, WiFi is much riskier, as Bluetooth only reaches about 30 feet. You still need to be cautious, and turn them off whenever possible. 

Use Security Software

It may seem a bit extreme, but you should definitely look into downloading a reputable security software for your phone. If you’re smart, you’re already using one for your computer, so look to see if there’s an add-on available for your phone. If you’re using the internet on your smartphone, it’s just as at-risk as your home computer. 

Read Permissions on New Apps

There are a lot of great applications available for use on your phone. However, that doesn’t mean all apps are safe. It’s kind of like downloading random software on your computer, so you have to act with caution. Before downloading a new app, do a little research to make sure it’s legitimate. Then read the permissions carefully before downloading. 

Back-Up Your Data

Your phone protection accessories should protect your smartphone against any type of damage that would occur under normal circumstances. However, dropping your phone off a skyscraper is probably a bit far. If your phone is damaged despite wearing protective gear, there’s a chance you could lose your data. 

Luckily, there’s an easy way to make sure your data is accessible even if your phone gets run over by a tank. Just back-up your data. In fact, there are reputable apps that will do it for you automatically at set intervals whenever you’re connected to the internet.  

Beware of Public WiFi Networks

If you’re ever logging into a public WiFi network, say at an airport or a cafe, be sure to double-check that the network is legitimate. A public WiFi network should never ask you for sensitive information. Sadly, “evil twin” WiFi networks are fairly common, so be cautious. 

Use Passwords

If your phone doesn’t have a password, pin lock, or biometrics, then add them now. No one should be able to gain access to your phone simply by picking it up. In fact, you should also password protect your sim card just in case someone takes your phone and attempts to plug your sim card into another device. These are common-sense protections that are necessary in the modern world. 

Be Smart, Be Safe

Smartphone safety doesn’t have to be difficult. As long as you’re taking precautions, you’re far less likely to be targeted to begin with simply because your phone is much harder to access.