While apps are easy to use and a convenient way to store and share files, they do open up the possibility of malicious attacks. The first step to preventing ransomware on your device is to make sure your apps and the devices running them have strong passwords.
Create A Strong Password
The password you choose to create for your smartphone is among the most important and most neglected things you can do to secure it.
Fortunately, creating a strong password is simple. But you should also change your passwords every few months so that hackers can’t access your account by trying passwords that have been compromised in other online breaches.
There are a few password management apps available that allow you to create a password for your smartphone and have it saved for you. For instance, Dashlane Password Manager for iOS and Android has a free version that can store more than 100 passwords for you.
It also has a premium version, which allows you to store credit card numbers and also keep track of all your passwords and security questions.
Install A VPN Or Anti Theft APP
Do you remember when you actually had to put your keys in the ignition to drive away with it? It was so simple. Not so much anymore.
If you’re like the majority of smartphone owners, you lock your phone with a pin or pattern and store it in a safe place to ensure that nobody can easily gain access to your device.
Unfortunately, the things you lock in your car are not the only things that thieves want. They also are after personal information and payment details stored in your smartphone, and they will go to great lengths to get it.
So how do you keep your phone secure? You need an app that will not only help you lock your phone, but also help you find it if you’re missing it. For instance, the Encrypt.me app can encrypt the connection between your device and their trusted servers in the cloud to prevent a thief from simply unlocking the device by entering your pin or pattern.
Other apps you can try to improve the security of your phone include AppLock, Find My Device, and Smart Lock.
Always keep a strong password and encrypt your smartphone, even when if you are not using it for a while!
Keep Your Phone Up To Date
No matter how technologically advanced your smartphone is, it may still be susceptible to various bugs and malware, thus, you must keep your smartphone updated and well-secured with the latest apps and system updates as quickly as possible.
Most of the smartphones available today come with the latest system software, and it is a good practice to keep your device up-to-date to ensure the best performance and security. However, you should also refrain from installing apps which you do not regularly use, as doing so can put you at greater risk.
Be Vigilant
Take proactive measures if you suspect your smartphone has been infected by malware/spyware. Remember, you do not have to get infected by malware/spyware, there are plenty of tools you can use to prevent it.
Use Unique Passwords For Different APPS
The best way to secure your device is to choose a unique password for every app you use, so that the hackers who steal your phone won’t be able to access different parts of your personal life.
By using a secure password for each app, you can also make sure that hackers will never be able to access your bank accounts, social media accounts, email, cloud storage services, your shopping accounts, or any other online accounts.
Apps like LastPass, Dashlane, and 1Password are useful tools that allow you to create a single, secure password for your online life, and then you can use it across all your other online accounts, such as eBay, Twitter, PayPal, Facebook, and Gmail.
Enable Lockscreen Authentication
If you don’t want to create an app-specific password and instead use a simple password for each app, you can go a step further and enable lock screen authentication for your phone.
With lock screen authentication enabled, you can have an app scan your fingerprint or facial structure to make a secure connection between you and your device.
Turn Off APPS When Not In Service
Have you ever turned on the camera or a microphone to take a selfie, only to find out later that it had been used to record an unsolicited voice message? Never do that again!
Simply, turn off the microphone and camera whenever not required, and make sure they are not left on when not in use. Most of the spyware, ransomware, and virus attacks happen while your smartphone apps are active. Hence, turning them off when not in use is a great precaution to take.
Another way to protect your data is to back up your files to an external device, such as your computer or the cloud, before you install any new apps.
Remember, always keep your smartphone secured with a strong password, or you will be at the mercy of hackers. Moreover, you should keep your operating system and applications updated, and make sure that you download security patches to your device as soon as they become available, as an unfixed security flaw can lead to severe damages to your smartphone and may even lead to your data being hacked.
