Effective Ways To Stay Safe When Using Mobile Devices

Today, many of us use our smartphones or mobile devices for our daily activities. If you lose your phone, you might lose access to many of your accounts and important information and feel like a part of you is missing. It’s a common feeling, and it’s understandable.

Safety when using mobile devices, whether it’s for a specific activity or in the event of losing your device, can be the difference between your information staying secure and your being exposed to criminal activity. People can easily access the details you store on your device, such as your accounts and personal information, to take advantage.

So, how can you take control of your online safety in a world where cybercrime is on the rise, and there’s seemingly very little you can do about it?

Change Your IP Address

If you want to cover your tracks online, did you know you can change the IP address on your device? Your IP address is a unique identifier that allows devices to communicate with each other on the internet. There are certain steps you need to go through depending on your device; i.e., Apple devices will have a different procedure than Android ones. Changing your IP address can remove any trackers that people might be using to gain information from you and can help you protect any information you send online. Did you know you can find out how to change your ip address on Android but cannot pick your new IP address? You will be randomly assigned one via your device.

Use A VPN

A VPN is an empowering tool for protecting your devices and any infrastructure you use, especially if you frequently log on to public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often unsecured, and hackers can intercept your security and steal your personal data for criminal activities. You can avoid this risk by using a VPN to add extra security and protection to your browsing and avoid it wherever you are in the world.

Hide Your Phone

Hiding your phone can be a great way to help you avoid overuse or becoming distracted while using it. But it also has a security benefit. Suppose you want to avoid becoming the victim of a crime where your smartphone is stolen. In that case, you need to have a good hiding place on your person and keep your phone when out and about in public or overly crowded places such as at a concert, in a busy market, at a festival, or on the subway. This can prevent opportunistic thieves from snatching your phone and gaining access to your personal information.

Track It

A tracker app on your phone can be extremely helpful if you misplace it or it gets stolen. A tracker app is software that uses GPS or other location technologies to track a device’s location. You can use gadgets like applying tags to stick to your phone or even keys if you wish so you can track their locations should they become misplaced or stolen. This can help you to make sure you can trace it and retrieve it or lock and wipe it quickly if it has fallen into the wrong hands to protect your data and security. The easier it is to pinpoint its location, the easier it is to put preventative measures in place.

Keep Your Device Up To Date

Updating your software is a reliable way to protect your phone against cyber-attacks via vulnerabilities in the previous version. Updates are run on a regular basis not only to provide updated features but also to fix issues in the software revisions, and neglecting to update to the newest version as soon as possible can leave you at risk of becoming hacked and having your sensitive information stolen.

Password Protection

A complex PIN or password can be instrumental in protecting your devices and your accounts. However, using biometrics, such as your face or fingerprint, if they’re available on your devices, can add an extra layer of protection to your security. Biometrics are unique physical or behavioral characteristics that can be used to identify a person. By enabling this feature, people will need your face or fingerprint to access the device or certain apps you activate this form. Check on all of your apps and devices to see if this feature is available and switch it on. On top of this, you can use an app password manager that requires authentication before passwords are used instead of storing them directly on the phone or via Google, for example, which makes it easier for people to gain access to them should they come in possession of your devices.

Don’t Click Unknown Links

Clicking links from suspicious emails or texts is a fast-track way of having your identity stolen. This is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to gain access to your details, which they can then use to commit crimes like identity fraud. Avoid clicking links even if they look legitimate and go directly to the company they claim to be via your usual sources, especially if they’re asking for money. This can also apply to companies calling you, sending you texts, or asking you to install software that they need to “help you” in any way. It’s likely this is only out for their scam, which makes you more vulnerable to cybercrimes.

Only Download Legitimate Apps

Avoid downloading apps for which you cannot verify the source. Always use app stores associated with your device, e.g., google or Apple, and read reviews before downloading them to get a feel for other people’s experiences. If someone calls you and puts pressure on you, download an app, end the call, and delete it if you installed it. Only use trusted apps from companies you know of and trust to avoid the possibility of the app accessing data it should and putting your information at risk.

Protecting mobile devices from loss, theft, and hackers should be a top priority for everyone. It helps keep devices safe and secure and allows you to trust yourself when using them in public.