Digital security has become more important than ever, especially with an increase in cybersecurity issues. More and more cases of cyberattacks and data leaks are being reported on a daily basis and it has shattered businesses and individuals both emotionally and financially.
Not to forget, nobody is safe online these days, including businesses and individuals. With an increase in internet usage, hacking and phishing scams have become extremely common. That being said, you don’t have to be scared as there are plenty of ways to eliminate cybersecurity risks and safely use the internet.
The following are a few useful programs as well as tips for your smartphone that will protect you and your data. Have a look at them and tick off the list one by one.
Antivirus Software
First and foremost, you need to get effective antivirus software installed on your device. A lot of times, the hacker doesn’t directly hack into your device but writes a virus or malware to do the trick. Once your device gets infected with the virus or malware, the hacker takes control.
The only way to prevent such things from happening is by using antivirus software. Please know that antivirus plans are not just for desktops or laptops but smartphones as well. Apart from protecting your device from viruses and malware, they also help in filtering out your emails and messages, reducing the risk of phishing scams. In case of a suspicious email or message, your antivirus software will alert you.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
If you don’t have a VPN downloaded and installed on your device, it’s time you get one. VPNs, an abbreviation for virtual private networks, are mandatory for online security. Whether you use your desktop or smartphone, a VPN can keep you safe online.
It works by removing your IP address and hiding your location, leaving the hacker unable to track you down. Besides that, it doesn’t allow websites to keep a track of your data. In this way, you remain safe when browsing the internet. If you haven’t tried it already, I suggest you try private internet access VPN and safely use the internet without having to worry about online exploitations.
Mobile Firewall
Who says firewalls are only for laptops or desktops? Mobile firewalls are equally effective in eliminating network-based threats. Yes, a firewall works by filtering out the traffic coming through your network. In case of suspicious activity, it alerts you right away and blocks it out.
The great thing is that a mobile firewall works like a traditional firewall, so you don’t have to worry about it being different or not useful. Plus, it could be connected to both your Wi-Fi and cellular data, which is another plus point. Perhaps the only problem here is that the option of enabling a firewall is available in just android devices, so iOS users won’t be able to get this benefit.
A Few Effective Tips for Your Smartphone Security
Besides the programs mentioned above, there are a few tips that always help when it comes to smartphone security. Starting with two-factor authentication, which is super beneficial. Hackers are a pro at cracking down passwords. They have software that can help them crack your password in seconds. You can save yourself and your smartphone by switching on the two-factor authentication for your mobile applications.
In that way, the hacker won’t be able to log into your mobile applications even after securing the password. As soon as they enter the password, you’ll be notified. Not just that, you’ll also get a login code. Without that code, nobody could log into the particular application.
Another tip for your online security is that you must not use a third-party website or App Store to download mobile applications. Such websites and application stores often have questionable apps and of course, it goes without saying that they’re not safe. They mostly bring along malware and viruses that can hurt your smartphone and result in data leaks and hacker attacks.
Over and above that, you must refrain from using public Wi-Fi. A lot of people have a habit of connecting to a public internet connection wherever they go, be it a restaurant or a train station. What you need to know is that public Wi-Fi is unsafe. They keep a track of your data and are 10x more vulnerable when it comes to hacking or cyber-attacks.
Still, in case of an emergency, if you don’t have cellular data and public Wi-Fi is the only option, you must use it with a VPN. Switch on the VPN before connecting to the public internet connection. It will ensure that the Wi-Fi doesn’t keep a track of your personal details, including your contact details as well as your smartphone’s IP address. If anything, it will reduce the chances of your device being hacked or traced.
The Takeaway
Online security is imperative these days. Although it has become easier to maintain security with these expensive smartphones, you still need to take additional precautionary measures. In that way, you can ensure that you and your device are 100% secure. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Give it a thought!