But with all of this capability comes a risk. Many peoples’ mobile phones store a lot of sensitive data such as bank account information and passwords that could be detrimental if stolen. In many cases, unauthorized access to your mobile phone could lead to identity theft, stolen money, or worse.
The Need for Protection
The more we utilize our smartphones, the more vital it is that we protect the information they contain. Hackers can try to gain access to the information on your phone through viruses and malware, which can be spread via text messages, email, social media, phone calls, or fake mobile apps. In addition to hackers infiltrating your phone in these ways, your phone being lost or stolen could also compromise your identity and finances.
All of the malicious activity targeting mobile phones has created a push by the tech industry to improve device protection and authentication. However, balancing convenience with security is a constant battle. As a smartphone user, it is important to understand the tradeoff of having security steps in place. Although it can feel like a hassle to have to enter a password over and over again, or have a verification code texted to you, remember that the goal is to protect your information.
Precautions to Help Protect Your Phone
1. Set a screen lock. Having a strong password is the first step to protecting mobile devices and everything within them. To start, you should have a screen lock set to open your phone. Depending on the brand of your phone, you will likely have the option of your screen lock being a PIN, password, pattern, or biometric lock such as a fingerprint or facial scan. It is also recommended that you change your lock setting often – especially if you are using the simple 4-digit code that is standard on many phones. It may seem like common sense, but once you have your screen lock set up, be sure to actually lock your phone any time you are not using it. Keep in mind too that while convenient, some security experts warn biometric and pattern locks may not be as secure as you would expect.
2. Back up your phone. Accidents happen and cell phones can be easy to misplace. And unfortunately, sometimes it can impossible to retrieve a lost or stolen device. In other cases, your phone may be damaged beyond repair. Before letting that happen, be sure to back up the data on your phone so you can still have access to all of your important information once you purchase a new device.
3. Track Down or Secure a Lost Device. Many phone manufacturers have apps and settings that can help you locate your phone if it is lost or stolen. The trick is that you must set up this feature before your phone goes missing. If implemented, this setting will often allow you to determine your phone’s location by logging into your account from a web browser or another device. If your phone was stolen, you can provide this location information to police to help them track down the thief. Remember too that if your device is lost or stolen, it’s a good idea to remotely mark the device as “lost” and erase its contents. There are instructions online for doing this on both iPhone and Android phones. You should also contact your wireless carrier to let them know the device is missing.
4. Be mindful of what you access on public Wi-Fi. As technology advances and digital scams become even more prevalent, it’s extremely important to be aware of the dangers of using public Wi-Fi. It may seem great that your local coffee shop has a free Wi-Fi network so you don’t have to drain your cellular data – but keep in mind that there are some apps and websites you should never use while connected to public Wi-Fi. Any mobile app that contains sensitive data, such as mobile banking, credit card, or payment apps like Venmo, or websites where you’re entering credit card information, login credentials, or sensitive personal data should be avoided when you’re on a public Wi-Fi network. The reason is that public Wi-Fi has weak security and therefore is easier for hackers to gain access to. In gaining access to the network, they could easily get ahold of the information you’re typing in or passing through.
5. Turn on automatic updates. Although getting reminders to update your phone may feel like a nuisance, software updates can provide the latest protection against viruses and malware. Automatic app updates can keep the security of your individual apps protected as well. If you do find yourself in the position of having a virus on your mobile phone, most providers will recommend clearing all of your data from the phone and reinstalling it via a saved backup. Just another reason why backing up your phone is so important!
6. Pay attention to who is asking for information. One of the most common ways hackers get access to information is by people falling victim to phishing scams. With these types of attacks, the victim inadvertently gives the hacker the information they need to do damage. Phishing scams seem to get more prevalent and sophisticated every day, so it is crucial to keep your guard up at all times, especially when you are asked to follow a link or provide information on your mobile device. A text or call may appear to be from your bank or credit card company, but if you are not expecting them to contact you it could be a warning sign. If you are ever unsure if a communication is legitimate, don’t respond. Instead, call the number on the back of your debit card or credit card, or contact the company via the phone number listed on their verified website.
For most of us, our mobile phones feel like an extension of ourselves, and we don’t give too much thought to all of the important and sensitive information they contain. It doesn’t feel like we’re carrying a filing cabinet around with us, but in essence, that’s what they are. By taking some time now to safeguard your phone, and adopt secure habits for using your mobile device, you can help protect all of the crucial information inside of it.
For more cybersecurity tips, visit the Security section of the BankFive blog.