The exponential growth in the adoption of smartphones has brought a behavioural change in the masses. Today, Mobile Apps are at the centre of the modern lifestyle across the world - from banking, trading, and insurance to eCommerce and education.
Your smartphones most likely keep track of where you go along with the majority, if not the entirety of your digital communication and internet search history. Although it is impossible to have complete privacy on any smartphone, there are numerous ways with which you can safeguard your personal data from unwanted intrusions. So here are 6 important tips to secure your personal data while using smartphones:
1. Keep Device’s OS Up to Date
Operating system updates fix potential bugs and exploitable vulnerabilities while also cleaning up obsolete software that can painfully slow down your device and are susceptible to data leakages. As a result, it is highly recommended to use the most recent version of smartphone operating system to safeguard your devices and data from ever-evolving cyber threats.
2. Connectivity Check
In a digital first economy, mobile phones have gained wider acceptance in order to fast-pace the communications and digital transactions. Mobile connectivity in the form of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection enables users to access data on the go. Hence secured connections are the “must have” hygiene factor to ensure data privacy. So, avoid untrusted Wi-Fi connections, use only verified Bluetooth devices to be connected, be cautious while storing data on the cloud.
3. Download Mobile Apps From Secure Sources
Downloading an app from an unknown source may infect your smartphone with malicious software, allowing cybercriminals to take control of your device and gain access to your personal information. Two most popular official app stores are Apple AppStore and Google Play Store which you can rely upon because of their strict development guidelines.
4. Grant App Permissions Carefully
Be vigilant about the permissions you grant to the apps you download. Review the permissions granted to apps continuously to ensure that the app does not have access to information or features it does not require. Some apps have access to sensitive features such as the camera, storage, contact list, etc. Consider restricting their access only when the app is in use. Delete an app if you are no longer using it to avoid unnecessary data collection.
5. Be Wary of Smishing Attacks
Smishing represents a combination of the words "SMS"; and "Phishing."" Smishing attacks, in which cybercriminals utilize SMS texts to obtain sensitive user information, have increased significantly. Cybercriminals frequently send SMS messages that appear to be urgent alerts to hoodwink the receiver into opening a malicious attachment. Therefore, before clicking any SMS- based link, it is recommended to take care of the following:
- Always cross-verify your message's sender.
- No will ask for personal information like ATM Pin, OTP, etc. over text.
- Never click on hyperlinks, you're not sure about.
- Never save your financial credentials on your smartphone.
6. Invest in Mobile Antivirus Solution
When installed, your first line of defence is antivirus protection. A competent antivirus solution with the newest features will relieve you of multiple security threats, including but not limited to malware, viruses, trojans, etc. Therefore, to safeguard your devices and data from ever- evolving cyber threats, it is highly advisable that you install a reliable antivirus solution on your smartphone.
A robust mobile security framework is must in today’s Digital First world. Protectt.ai is a Mobile Threat Defence organisation building world class solutions to ensure mobile usage in safe and secure environment.
AppProtectt, by Protectt.ai, can be the ultimate solution for Mobile App Security needs. It is a powerful state-of-the-art RASP solution powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) delivered on SaaS model. AppProtectt ensures quick implement and reduces TCO. Thus AppProtectt by Protectt.ai helps corporates offload their security concerns, enabling them to focus on their core business logic.
Stay protectt-ed!