With more and more of us utilizing our mobile phones more often than our computers, the question becomes, which is safer? The answer however is not black and white. Our phones are typically safer, but that also depends on how you use it. Did you know your phone could be attacked with malware and hacked into? One of the biggest differences between mobile and PC security, is that once your computer is hacked into, it is harder to remove the hacker’s software. They can keep stealing your information even after you remove the program that allowed them access. On your mobile device however, once you remove the hacker’s software, they can no longer access your device. Keep in mind though, they still have the information they stole from you. Here are a few tips to be safer on your mobile device:
- Make sure your phone is password protected. It does get old having to unlock your phone every time you want to use it, but keeping your phone password protected can help protect your information. If you ever accidently leave your phone somewhere, it prevents someone from gaining access to the items on your phone.
- Only download apps and content from trusted sources. Google Play Store on Android and App Store on iPhone have security measures in place to help protect malicious apps from being downloadable on your phone. However, if you download from other app stores, they may have hacker software on them.
- Be careful using public WIFI options. If a WIFI hotspot is asking for multiple permissions on your phone before giving you access to the WIFI, this may be a sign the network is not safe to use. Giving access on your mobile device allows hackers to steal your information. Also, try to limit airdrop and file sharing over the WIFI network.
- Always update your phone to the newest operating software. Most new updates include increases to security, which better protects your personal information on your mobile device. Also updating apps on your phone, can protect you from malicious hacks.
- Do not jailbreak your device. Many people like jailbreaking their device so they have more control over personalizing their phones. This makes your phone more open for hackers to get in and find your personal data. Phone makers have security in mind, changing settings puts you at higher risk.
These are just a few tips that can help protect you on your mobile device. No matter how careful you are, hackers will always be trying to gain your personal information. Keep your passwords unique and do not repeat the same password for different accounts. Your personal information is worth protecting.
