Online Security: How To Protect Your Identity On A Smartphone

Smartphones are steadily becoming part and parcel of our lives. We have them everywhere. However, these electronic gadgets have become the center of attention for both good and bad reasons. Our smartphones contain a lot of crucial information ranging from our identities to bank details. Since it is hard to identify scammers, who use smartphones to steal people’s identities, many people have no other option but to wait for the detectives to help. However, charity begins at home. You must make an effort to help yourself first by protecting your identity on a smartphone. Here are a few tips on how you can do it.

Use A Lock Protected By A Password

Many smartphone users do not use password-protected locks on their home screens. A phone without a password is susceptible to identity theft because anybody can access it. Therefore, it would be unwise to think that your phone is safe from intruders if it does not have a password. Choose a password that is difficult to crack. Don’t use the common digits such as 1, 2, 3, and 4. Instead, use a combination of letters and numbers.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

A public network is a haven for hackers and other cyber criminals. Though you save a lot of data when you connect to a Wi-Fi in the library and the coffees shop, you are jeopardizing your phone's security. Therefore, connect to a Wi-Fi protected by a password. However, a password-protected Wi-Fi in a public place is not the best option. The only way you can be sure of complete phone security is through encrypted websites. An encrypted website has a coded information that blocks the hackers from accessing it. Make sure the website begins with the common sign “https//.”

Avoid Storing Crucial Information On Your Phone

People have a lot of passwords and numbers that are impossible to remember. As a result, they tend to keep crucial information such as credit card passwords and bank account details in their phones. Such habits can put your phone at greater risk because it only takes one person to hack it and get all the details. In case you have to store crucial documents on your phone, then use a password-protected document editor. This way, you can add extra security to the sensitive information on your phone. The editor also protects your document when you lose the phone.

Download Applications Sparingly

According to Domo, there are over 6,944,444 videos watched on Snapchat, and 2,430,555 posts liked on Instagram every minute in one day. That data alone proves that using apps on smartphones has become increasingly popular. However, you must be careful when downloading apps on your phone. Since almost anybody can come up with an app, it is possible that some malicious people can develop malware programs. When you download an app, there is an option that asks you whether you allow it to access your personal information, including your location. Some apps can use this feature to steal your identity. You need to do some thorough background check on an app you suspect. Go to the app settings and disable the option that allows it to track your information and location. You can also install an antivirus to beef up security.

Use Mobile Tracking Tools

Use mobile tracking apps that are safer. The apps allow you to track your phone whenever it goes missing. Most tracking tools have additional features that enable your phone to identify unauthorized users and lock them out. Some of them ultimately render the phone useless.

Though smartphones serve us well, we need to secure them to bring down the increasing incidences of identity theft. The tips discussed above are sure ways to secure your phone and enjoy a comfortable life.