Phone Safety Tips: Ways to Secure Your Device

Gadgets

February 26, 2022

Owning a smartphone can be exciting and helpful, yet scary. As many present-day horror movies suggest, this pocket-sized tool can pose a severe threat to our lives. With new dangers come frequent reminders; there are many safety tips to secure your phone.

We get mobile security reminders almost every week, from changing our passwords to updating the phone’s operating system.

Here are five safety tips to make your phone hack-proof.

1. Set Up a Lock Screen PIN

One of the most basic safety tips is to keep your phone locked and ensure no one can access it without your permission. Some may not think setting up a PIN is vital, but it is.

Face ID and fingerprint sensors are not enough to keep your device away from prying eyes. Set up a strong PIN (not your birth date!) and keep it to yourself – you can’t trust anyone these days.

2. Install Trusted Apps

Another one of the standard safety tips is to only download apps you trust.

Before installing any application, check the ratings and read the reviews. Also, many tend to skip this step: Read the fine print! It’s always good to read the app’s privacy policies. Believe it or not, some apps sell your personal data.

3. Log Out of Unused Sites

Online banking is convenient – for you and hackers. If you make banking transactions on your mobile phone, don’t forget to log out once you’re done.

Another safety tip is not to save your usernames and passwords on your smartphone. Furthermore, avoid making online transactions on public WiFi.

4. Protect Your Bluetooth

Bluetooth can come in handy when transferring media or files, but it’s also an easy way for hackers to get your data.

Turn off your Bluetooth when you’re not using it, and don’t allow access to everyone.

Moreover, make sure the device you’re pairing with is the correct one. You wouldn’t want a random stranger getting your data.

5. Update OS and Apps

The final safety tip is simple: Install new updates as soon as they’re available because routine operating systems and app updates often offer improved security.

Phone Safety Tips: Keep Yourself From Harm

As much as you love your smartphone, it can be harmful when not used correctly. There are plenty of other safety tips out there, but we narrowed the five most common ones to keep you safe.