Smartphones have evolved in gigantic leaps over the years. You can now use your phones for virtually anything: from paying bills, to checking important emails, to storing sensitive data and media. There is not a lot that smartphones can't do.
With this type of technological advancement, the risks have skyrocketed as well. This means that the little device that fits so snuggly in your hands will put you at great risk if you were to let your guard down and have it stolen, hacked or damaged.
The good news is that there are actually several of ways to safeguard your phone and this article talks about 11 of them. Let's begin!
1. Use Lock Codes
This should be obvious enough, but you'd be surprised how many people don't even bother setting up a lock code for their phones and sim cards. The rub lies way beyond lost contacts and possible missed appointments. Worst case scenario: if your phone gets stolen or lost, your data will be vulnerable to people with bad intentions.
Avoid this problem by inputting a password not only on your phone, but also on your sim card. That way, you'd at least buy yourself some time to do something about the loss before someone else can crack your passcodes.
2. Watch Which Wireless Networks You Connect To
We live in the era of social media, wherein people thrive on being connected to others from all over the globe. Staying connected online usually sucks up data and drives your phone bills through the roof, which is why WiFi connections are a godsend. However, if you're not careful about which one you connect to, you may just subject your phone to malicious parties.
Thankfully, smartphones have been programmed to lessen the chances of this risk. Make it a habit to turn off your wireless connection whenever you're not using it. This tip actually solves two problems: help you avoid data breach on your phone and make your battery last longer.
3. Be Wary of Bluetooth Connections As Well
Although much safer than wireless connections because of their relatively short range, Bluetooth connections can still pose as threats to your phone's safety. Hackers, when in range, can just as easily make calls, listen in on conversations and access data like they were doing it on their own phones.
Set the Non-Discoverable mode as your default Bluetooth configuration. By doing so, your device will no longer pop up on a potential hacker's list. If you get unfamiliar requests to pair with your device, always choose to decline.
4. Be Extra Careful With Apps
With the recent surge of malware on phones that run on Android OSs, one needs to become extra vigilant when downloading applications. Although it may not be convenient to read through the software requirements upon installation, but doing so will give you an idea if a software, particularly an unknown one, is being reasonable with their access requests.
Always make sure to download apps from secured and official platforms only. You can also keep your phone safe by not saving your access details each time you log on to internet browsers as doing so will make it easier for hackers to access your data since they'll all be in one place.
5. Download Effective Anti-Malware
This comes in handy if you're unlucky enough to get malware on your phone from downloading apps. An anti-malware software will definitely soften the blow from infections and will save your information and media from getting damaged.
6. Update Your Phone's OS Frequently
Constant OS updates can get a bit annoying at times, but you will serve your phone well by not ignoring it. Updating your OS will put into action a better and more secured system that will keep your data protected. So when a reminder pops up on your phone screen, clear up some storage space and start updating right away.
7. Back Up Your Data
Losing your phone is bad enough. Waiting forever to retrieve all your contacts, appointments, sensitive data and pertinent documents makes it so much worse. Backing up your phone's data may not seem important to you now, but it will certainly be convenient when you need it.
There are services that will automatically upload all your data to an online resource each time you connect to a strong WiFi network, leaving you free from the hassles of setting it up yourself. Find one that suits your phone's OS best and take advantage of it.
8. Jailbreaking or Rooting Your Device Is A No-No
Jailbreaking or rooting a smartphone is one way of bypassing the manufacturers' security protocols. Doing so will significantly weaken your phone and render them vulnerable to software threats. Try to avoid doing this as much as you can.
9. Get Insurance
Human error will never be out of the question when it comes to dealing with phone safety. Accidental drops and liquid spills are commonplace and will probably set you back a couple hundred bucks in repairs.
By purchasing insurance for your phone, the damages mentioned above will be covered and will give you less threats to worry about. There are plenty of good insurance plans out there. All you have to do is look into them and figure out what kind of coverage you want.
10. Use a Reliable Screen Protector
As far as damages to your phone screen is concerned, you can never go wrong by getting a proven and tested protection technology that will never fail you in times of need. There are a lot of good options in the market today, but the products that stand out are usually the ones that go above and beyond.
Opt for screen protectors made out of military-grade polyurethane for an extra layer of defense from blunt trauma. These things are usually more affordable than you think and can definitely withstand great impact, leaving your phone screen unscathed each time.
11. Invest in a Dependable Case
You can take all the necessary precautions in keeping your phone safe, but you can't deny the fact that they're always just one massive drop away from being completely useless. Don't worry, it happens even to the most cautious people.
When you invest in a shock- and waterproof phone case, you significantly decrease your worries of dropping and damaging your phone. You can now take your phone everywhere - the beach, the mountains and even the skies. Make sure that you choose phone cases that are made from military-grade materials, submersible in water up to 24 feet, and shock-, snow- and dustproof.
Making sure your phone is safe at all times can get a bit overwhelming, but the tips above will take a considerable amount of pressure off your shoulders. Keep them in mind and you'll be good to go.
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