Mobile Devices Could Be Putting Your Security at Risk
The most important thing to consider in terms of security when shopping for your next device is its software and operating system. Android phones and iPhones can be infected with malware, so make sure you’re downloading apps from trustworthy sources.
Many of us spend hundreds of dollars on our phones every year, but are we aware of the security risks that come with it?
Mobile devices could put your financial and personal data at risk. I’ll show you how to secure your smartphone and tablet so you don’t become a victim of these attacks.
When we think about security, we typically imagine a system that keeps our computers, devices, and accounts safe. Unfortunately, in today’s world, the reality is that our mobile devices and personal data are just as vulnerable to cyberattacks as our computers and networks.
Unsecured Wi-Fi Networks
If you’re a regular user of Wi-Fi hotspots, you’ve probably noticed that most are unprotected. This means anyone within range can access your device, and hackers can steal your personal information.
If you’re in a public space, this is especially dangerous. There’s a good chance that a stranger uses the same network, and you never know who might be watching your every move.
Luckily, several options are available to help keep your phone secure when using Wi-Fi.
Discussion on How to Protect Your Device
Mobile devices could put your financial and personal data at risk. I’ll show you how to secure your smartphone and tablet so you don’t become a victim of these attacks. Mobile devices are incredibly convenient but also have several security concerns.
For example, they are often easier to hack than PCs because the operating systems and applications on the phone are generally less secure.
They are also easier to steal, and thieves often target phones with large amounts of data because they can sell this information on the black market. This is why I will show you how to protect your mobile devices from being hacked.
Outdated Operating Systems
We all know that operating systems are outdated. You’ve probably even experienced an operating system crash once or twice. But what if your phone’s operating system is why you’re having issues with your device? This is something that I’ve found myself thinking about after being asked to fix a friend’s iPhone 6s Plus.
My friend, an avid iPhone user, recently got a new phone and said that her old phone kept crashing. It would restart but then stop responding to commands. After talking to her, I discovered that the reason for the crashes was because she had an outdated operating system. Her previous phone was running iOS 10.3.1, and the newest version of the operating system is iOS 11.4.1.
Why was this an issue?
Because the latest operating system has a fix for the Touch ID vulnerability that was recently discovered.
iOS 11.4.1 is not available to download for older phones. It’s available for newer phones only.
Importance of Regular System Updates
Mobile devices could put your financial and personal data at risk. I’ll show you how to secure your smartphone and tablet so you don’t become a victim of these attacks. Security threats to mobile devices range from malware to hacking to malicious apps, and it’s up to the user to protect themselves against them. If you’re looking for the best way to secure your phone, look no further than Titanium Backup.
It’s an Android app that provides a detailed view of all your apps, the ones you’ve installed and those you haven’t. This allows you to see what’s installed on your phone, and if something looks suspicious, you can uninstall it immediately. You’ll also get alerts when your phone detects apps trying to access your device’s information.
Tips on How to Identify Safe Apps
Regarding smartphone security, the first step is to identify safe apps. If you’ve just purchased a new device, you won’t run any mobile operating system (OS) yet. Once you’ve Android or iOS, you should check if the manufacturer has issued an update. This will ensure that your device is up-to-date.
If an update is available, tap on the version number to download and install it.
Now that you’ve updated, you’ll need to verify the root-level access that comes with it.
For Android, you can do this by following these steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Apps
- Tap Permissions
- Tap Unknown Sources
- Tap OK
For iOS, you can do this by going to Settings > General > Profiles and Device Management.
If you’re still unsure whether or not you’re running an up-to-date version of the OS, you can head over to the Google Play Store and check for an update. Once you’ve identified the safest apps on your device, you must ensure you don’t accidentally install a malicious app designed to steal your information. I’ll show you how to identify safe apps and how to prevent them from being installed in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions Mobile Devices
Q: When did you last use a mobile device or smartphone?
A: Two weeks ago, but I don’t use them. I am more interested in reading my emails on my tablet and using my computer.
Q: Why do you think using mobile devices has risked your security?
A: We live in an age where we are constantly connected to our devices. There are many potential threats on the internet, and I would not be surprised if mobile devices were also involved.
Top Myths About Mobile Devices
- The new smartphone or tablet is insecure and risks your security.
- Your security is safe in the hands of a trusted manufacturer.
- No matter what you do, the manufacturer will not compromise your security.
- The manufacturer takes steps to protect you from cybercriminals.
Conclusion
We are all becoming more reliant on our mobile devices. We now rely on them for everything from checking email, reading the news, shopping online, and staying in touch with family and friends. But did you know that many mobile users are at risk of having their personal information stolen? A recent survey showed that around half of mobile users (50%) have had their data misappropriated through a malicious app.
