What are the best mobile device security and privacy practices you use?

1 Update your software

One of the simplest and most important steps you can take to secure your mobile device is to keep your software updated. Software updates often contain patches and fixes for known security issues and bugs that hackers can exploit to compromise your device. Updating your software also ensures that you have the latest features and improvements that can enhance your performance and functionality. You should enable automatic updates for your operating system and apps, or check for updates regularly and install them as soon as possible.

2 Use strong passwords and biometrics

Another essential practice for mobile device security and privacy is to use strong passwords and biometrics to lock your device and your apps. A strong password is one that is long, complex, and unique, and that you change frequently. You should avoid using common or easy-to-guess passwords, such as your name, birthday, or phone number. You should also use biometrics, such as your fingerprint, face, or iris, to unlock your device and authenticate your identity. Biometrics are harder to crack or spoof than passwords, and they can prevent unauthorized access to your device and data.

3 Enable encryption and remote wipe

Encryption is a process that scrambles your data and makes it unreadable without a key. Encryption can protect your data from being accessed or stolen by hackers, even if they manage to get hold of your device. You should enable encryption on your device and your external storage, such as SD cards or USB drives. You should also enable remote wipe, which is a feature that allows you to erase all the data on your device remotely, in case it is lost or stolen. Remote wipe can prevent hackers from accessing your data and using it for malicious purposes.

4 Avoid public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks are convenient and free, but they are also insecure and risky. Hackers can use various techniques, such as spoofing, sniffing, or intercepting, to access your device and data when you connect to public Wi-Fi or Bluetooth networks. They can also use malware or ransomware to infect your device and demand money or information from you. To avoid these risks, you should avoid using public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, or use a VPN (virtual private network) to encrypt your traffic and hide your identity. You should also turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you are not using them, and only connect to trusted and verified networks.

5 Manage your app permissions and settings

Apps are useful and fun, but they can also pose threats to your security and privacy. Apps can access various information and functions on your device, such as your location, contacts, camera, microphone, or storage. Some apps may use this access for legitimate purposes, but some may abuse it for malicious or intrusive purposes. To protect your security and privacy, you should manage your app permissions and settings carefully. You should only download apps from trusted sources, such as official app stores or websites. You should also review and limit the permissions and settings of each app, and only grant access to what is necessary and relevant. You should also delete or disable any apps that you do not use or trust.

6 Be aware of phishing and social engineering

Phishing and social engineering are techniques that hackers use to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information, or clicking on malicious links or attachments. Hackers can use various methods, such as email, text, phone, or social media, to impersonate legitimate entities or individuals, and create a sense of urgency or curiosity. They can also use your emotions, such as fear, greed, or sympathy, to manipulate you into taking action. To avoid falling victim to phishing and social engineering, you should be aware of the signs and indicators of these attacks, such as spelling errors, mismatched domains, or suspicious requests. You should also verify the source and the content of any message or communication, and never click on any link or attachment that you are not sure about.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?