We use our mobile phones for virtually everything nowadays — for banking, browsing the web, and watching our favorite shows. The smartphone has become an essential daily device in our lives, whether it’s an iPhone or an Android. However, beyond the Android vs iPhone debate, what are your options for providing better smartphone security? The focus always seems to be on protecting computer systems from hackers and smartphone security is often overlooked. In a world where we use our smartphones extensively and also store our information, it’s crucial that we raise awareness regarding smartphone security.

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Also Read: 8 Easy Tips to Strengthen Your Password Security

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Here are 10 useful tips and tricks to help you boost the security and privacy of your smartphone:

1. Download apps from trusted sources

Attackers create “spoof” apps to trick people into downloading malware or spyware onto their device. Avoid downloading apps from third-party sites and always use trusted sources such as Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. Make sure you check rating/reviews and glance through the privacy policy to ensure authenticity.

2. Always back up your smartphone’s data

Make sure that you sync your phone, so your data is backed up on the cloud. This will be helpful while restoring your data should a disaster strike.

3. Update your operating system and apps regularly

Software updates are intended to improve your experience as well as security. Regular updates protect you from system vulnerabilities by patching security holes, which could be exploited by attackers.

4. Set secure passwords

Set a different password for each app. This way even if one password is discovered, the attacker won’t have access to all your information.

5. Avoid suspicious links

Any link you receive in an email or text should be looked at with a suspicious eye. Avoid clicking on the link if you don’t know the sender. We’ve listed 10 ways to protect yourself from phishing attacks here.

6. Use an app instead of the browser

While banking on your phone or stock trading or anything else that passes sensitive information between your phone and the Internet, it’s best to use an official application rather than using the browser as official apps are more secure as compared to the websites.

7. Make Sure You’re Protected When Using Bluetooth

Always recognize the device that you’re pairing with, and try to keep your connection on only as long as it’s necessary. Turn off the Bluetooth settings when not in use.

8. Use two-factor authentication

You can check and enable this feature in the security settings of a service. Once enabled, even if someone gets access to your passwords, they will not be able to access your data without the authentication key.

9. Enable remote data wiping

With this, you can wipe out all your sensitive information remotely if your phone is lost or stolen. You can learn more about how to erase your iPhone remotely here and erase your Android device here.

10. Avoid sensitive transactions on public Wi-Fi

Avoid performing banking transactions and sending other sensitive information over a public Wi-Fi network. If you use an unsecured network to log in or sign in, than then other users on the network can see what you see and what you send. They could hijack your session.

As the complexity of operations of the smartphone and its role in our lives has increased, the complexity of smartphone security has also increased a lot. Please note that there are several factors that determine the vulnerability or the safety of your device, but the above-mentioned tips and tricks will help you to safeguard your device from most common dangers.