13 Mobile Device Security Tips to Protect Your Smartphone

With billions of mobile device users worldwide, mobile phone security is more important than ever. Social media, online banking, email, and the cloud have made accessing our information easy from virtually anywhere, but that also means that protecting your device and improving your smartphone security is more important than ever. In this article, learn how to protect your phone from hackers – and the information on it – with these thirteen mobile security best practices.

Keep your phone in a safe place

You don’t have to always have your phone in your pocket, but make sure that you know where your phone is. Placing your phone on the counter at checkout, on the edge of a café table, or even on your work desk puts you at risk for losing your mobile device altogether.

It also makes it possible for someone to steal your phone and, subsequently, the information on it. If your phone isn’t on you, at least ensure it’s not accessible to someone else.

Use strong passwords

Strong passwords are the first layer of defense against cybersecurity threats to your device, your accounts, and your information. You don’t want your phone’s contents to be accessible to someone else. All phones come with the ability to enable password protection. Make sure to set up this smartphone security feature as soon as you set up your device, and always lock your phone when not in use.

You can use a strong numeric password or, if your phone offers it, use face ID or your fingerprint. These are more secure ways to lock your phone, but any password will help with mobile device security. Use a password manager if you have trouble remembering passwords for your accounts.

Many also have built-in password generator tools, which create unique passwords for each account. You can test each password with the Password Strength Test to ensure they’re secure.

Track your phone's location

A GPS tracker can help you find your phone if you ever lose it or have it stolen. Using an app on Apple, like Find My iPhone, can help you locate your phone. Google’s Find My Device performs the same functions online for Android users. Make sure to enable these features to allow you to find your phone if anything ever happens to it.

Stay up to date on operating system updates

Staying current with operating system (OS) updates helps with mobile device security. Doing so ensures that your device has the best protections against malware, DDOS attacks, data breaches, and other mobile device security threats. You'll have all the most recent security patches and system updates installed.

Keep your app software updated for the same reason. With device updates, most devices automatically let you know when you can do a system update; all you need to do is restart your device. Apple and Android devices even give users the option to perform system updates at night when the phone is plugged in and connected to WiFi. This makes updating your device, which is an important smartphone security step, even easier.  

Choose apps wisely

As a rule of thumb, only download official apps from the App Store or Google Play store. These stores verify the authenticity of every app available, meaning they only have secure apps for users to download. Apps that you can download off the Internet are often unreliable and security threats, as hackers use these types of apps as fronts for downloadable malware.

Many mobile apps are helpful and convenient. However, they can also cause cyberattacks. In some cases, cybercriminals build malicious apps that look exactly like other popular and trusted apps.

Therefore, be sure to read the description of any app you download along with the app permissions. If the app requires that you link to other applications that contain your personal information, you may not want to download it.

Never open suspicious text messages or emails

Phishing attacks, which are legitimate-looking malicious messages, are a threat for mobile phone users. Texts and emails are an easy way for hackers to infect your device with malware and access your personal information.

If you get a text or email from someone that just doesn’t seem right, don’t open the message, click any links included, or download any related attachments. In doing so, you could accidentally download a Trojan horse, spyware, or other malware. This allows hackers to gain access to your accounts and steal sensitive information in a security breach.

Clear your phone's cache

When you clear your phone's cache, you clear out the browser and app data it stores for quick and easy access. Though the cache is helpful for returning to sites, it's a good idea to clear the cache occasionally. This way, if you've accidentally visited unsafe sites or clicked unsafe links, they're cleared from the cache and won't affect your device down the line.

Avoid free WiFi when possible

While free WiFi is helpful when you’re on the go, it’s better to remain on a secure network. Hackers can set up personal hotspots in public areas to gain access to the information of anyone who joins their network. Furthermore, even on legitimate public WiFi networks, it’s easier for a hacker to intercept your personal data because public networks don’t have the same levels of security as your home networks. To protect your phone and help with mobile device security, avoid free WiFi networks.

Turn off Bluetooth when not in use

Leaving your Bluetooth on makes your phone visible to those around you. Most Bluetooth devices have a wide connection range, which means that if your Bluetooth is on, anyone within a certain distance can attempt to connect with your phone. If a hacker connects to your phone via Bluetooth, they can infect your device with mobile malware, access your personal information, or track your activity.

Most people don’t view their Bluetooth as a security vulnerability because it’s become such an integrated part of our lives. But though Bluetooth has many benefits, it can become a mobile device security threat when left on. To avoid others taking advantage of your Bluetooth, just turn off your Bluetooth function when you’re in public or not using it.

Avoid public charging ports

Using public charging ports could give hackers easy and direct access to your smartphone through juice jacking. Once you plug your device in to charge it, the hacker can steal the information off your phone. They can also install keyloggers, spyware, or other malicious software onto your device through the port.

To avoid this mobile device security threat, carry a portable charger with you when out for long periods of time. Though it’s less convenient, it’s far safer than trusting a public charger.

Learn the signs of being hacked

If you do get hacked, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damages. Learn to recognize the signs of a hack to protect your device. Some signs include:

• Applications opening independently
• Your device’s battery draining quicker than usual
• Unexplained changes on your phone bill
• Pop-up ads on your phone or browser
• Feeling like your phone is physically hot for no reason
• Files or messages missing

All of the above could indicate that your device has been hacked. If you notice several of these symptoms, you may need to run an antivirus scan to check for malware. Change your passwords after you run the scan to protect your device and your information.

Get insurance on your device

If you’re worried about breaking or losing your phone, you can invest in phone insurance. Phone insurance is an often overlooked smartphone security tip, but it can help in the long run for both hardware and software threats.

Traditional insurance providers, like Progressive and Allstate, offer insurance that protects your phone from drops, cracked screens, theft, vandalism, and other physical damages. Some cellphone providers, like T-Mobile, also offer their own version of phone insurance. If you’re accident-prone or worried about breaking your device after purchasing it, consider investing in device insurance for smartphone security.

Back up your data to the cloud

Backing up your phone to the cloud is an easy way to protect your information and secure your mobile device should something ever happen. You’ll be able to re-upload your contacts, photos, and other information onto a new device. Apple’s iCloud is a simple, integrated option for iPhone users.

For Android users, Google Drive is a great option, as it allows users to upload all kinds of documents and photos for storage. Make sure you back up your data regularly, as you want to have the most up-to-date version of your files in case something happens.