Your mobile device stores your most private conversations and banking information. You use it to share your location, process orders, and control home appliances. It’s safe to say your device is one of your most valuable assets.

Security often seems secondary with mobile usage despite its widespread adoption. Users succumb to phishing attacks, hacks, and theft quite often.

What can you do to protect your device? How can you stop prying eyes reaching your private information? Keep reading to find out.

Mobile Device Security Tips to Protect Your Privacy and Data

Your mobile device holds enough data for someone to spoof your identity. There’s no telling what can happen once they have your information. Your device could spur fraudulent accounts to botnet attacks.

Mobile security is as important to you as it is for business users. The BYOD policies of businesses give access to systems and data, which is now a major security concern. IoT and hotspots let attackers bridge efforts across networks without your knowledge.

Here is how you can protect yourself and others:

1. Awareness and Limited Access

Physical theft is as much a concern as digital attacks.

Users should practice awareness of their surroundings in public and at home/work. Protect the device by keeping it on-hand or secured in an inaccessible location.

Likewise, use discretion with the device and how much data you enter. Don’t merge personal with professional if it’s a business phone (and vice versa). Use multiple data points for sensitive tasks instead of housing everything within a single device.

2. Setup Locks and 2FA

Set the basic locks:

  • Screen lock
  • Passwords
  • Biometrics

Don’t reuse PINs and passwords from other accounts. Use fingerprint or facial recognition in combination with the basic security locks.

Set up two-factor authentication for your most important accounts. This requires an extra step but adds a powerful security layer to prevent intrusions.

3. Encrypt the Device’s Data

Encryption scrambles data to prying eyes, so if they do get access, there isn’t much they can work with. Both iOS and Android offer built-in encryption tech.

For iOS:

  1. Open ‘Settings’
  2. Select ‘Passcode’

This is the same as setting the lock screen/PIN. iOS applies encryption to the rest of the device once this gets activated.

For Android:

  1. Set the device password
  2. Go to Settings > Security > Encrypt Device
  3. Follow the prompts

Your Android phone will process the actions and encrypt the data.

4. Keep the OS and Apps Up-to-Date

This is a no-brainer: let your device OS manage auto updates and patches.

The updates provide security patches many could use to exploit your device and its data. Keep the device plugged in as some need full boot cycles to apply.

5. Learn Remote Access for Worst Case Scenarios

Some devices have remote features, letting you locate, lock, and/or wipe data if needed. Otherwise, you can install remote access apps with similar features. Learn how remote access works before it’s needed so you’re not left unguarded.

Prioritize Mobile Device Security

Your mobile device has it all and may have even replaced your need for a wallet. Besides ID, your device manages most aspects of your personal and professional life. Protect your device and your data by following these crucial security tips.

Want to beef up your security knowledge? Browse the blog for more helpful security tips and tricks for your digital lifestyle.