With more and more of our lives being stored on smartphones, ensuring we have good security is essential.
There are a number of bad habits that can make our phones less secure, putting our personal information and privacy at risk.
If you want to make your phone more secure, here are a few things to watch out for.
Five mistakes that could be putting your phone security at risk
Neglecting software updates
It can be easy to ignore software updates with the hassle and inconvenience of them putting many users off.
However, these updates include critical security patches which will protect your phone against the latest threats
Connecting to unsecured public WiFi
Free public WIFI can be tempting, especially if you're trying to save data but these unsecured networks can be used by cyber criminals looking to intercept information.
To protect themselves, users can make use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when joining public internet connections.
Not using device encryption
Unencrypted devices are goldmines for criminals looking to easily access data from stolen phones.
Users should make sure that full-disk encryption is enabled on their smartphones.
This will be in the security settings on most smartphones. It is also a good idea to set up remote tracking and wiping so that you can protect your data if you lose your smartphone.
Recommended Reading:
Here are the iPhone hacks that'll make your battery last much longer
How to set up your medical ID on iPhone and Android in case of an emergency
Oversharing location data through apps
Smartphones are known to track and share your location through apps with many users often not being aware of this.
Sharing location data can expose users to stalking, identity theft, burglary and even targeted attacks as it can reveal personal routines and sensitive information.
It is a good idea to regularly review and manage the app permissions on your smartphone and disable location services for any apps that don’t need it.
Not using biometric security features
Many people rely on simple PINs or pattern locks to unlock their phones because it’s an easy option.
However, most modern smartphones come with advanced biometric security features.
These include fingerprint scanners and facial recognition technology which are much stronger.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel