4 Easy Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Mobile Devices
With the dramatic rise in everyday mobile devices alongside smartphones (tablets, laptops, smartwatches, etc.) customers have more ways to connect to the internet than ever before. Unfortunately, this also means that cyber criminals have more areas of attack when looking to access your data. And with an ever-changing technology landscape, it’s sometimes hard to discern legitimate security practices from outdated or irrelevant security tips.
In this 2-part blog series will look at some of the ways that everyday consumers can proactively protect their mobile devices from being compromised. We’ll also highlight some well-established security practices that have slightly faded from relevancy.
- Know Your Public Wi-Fi
This is one of the more common security practices that experts have been preaching for years. In the past, connecting to public Wi-Fi was often seen as exposing your device to unseen hackers or malicious hotspots. More recently however the practice of avoiding any public Wi-Fi is somewhat outdated. The main reason for this change is the widespread use of HTTPS encryption for most websites. By adopting HTTPS, the sites you visit will likely be protected by HTTPS encryption no matter what network you’re on. In short, widespread HTTPS encryption has addressed the main security concern with public Wi-Fi.
This doesn’t mean that you’re 100% protected when using public Wi-Fi. But it does mean that the risk of joining a public Wi-Fi has been diminished and that your web content is secure. Some practices could completely negate even this risk. Options such as using a VPN while on a public network or simply using your cellular data are always a good alternative. Although you shouldn’t be afraid of public Wi-Fi we still recommend avoiding any unfamiliar or suspicious networks.
- Keep your device software up to date
Of all the practices in this blog series, this is likely the most effective and easiest to maintain. Keeping up to date on your device’s software is the best way to protect your mobile devices. Customers need only look to recent headlines to see just how critical these updates are for keeping their devices secure. Exploits and vulnerabilities are constantly being identified and patched by developers. Issues come up when we don’t remember to update our device with the new software.
Back in 2017, a Pew Research survey found that around 14 percent of people never update their smartphone’s operating system, and 42 percent only do so when convenient. While a small minority, a lapse in software updating can leave these individuals vulnerable to having their data and information stolen. Software developers are constantly pushing out new security patches that are free to their users. When it comes to cybersecurity protection of your mobile devices, one of the easiest things you can do is stay up to date on any new software. It’s not only free, but it’s incredibly effective.
- Security Software
If you’re looking to go beyond the default protection of your device, then there are several third party security software options. This isn’t recommended for every mobile device. For instance, Apple has stated several times that your iPad or iPhone doesn’t need to have security software installed. In addition, the App Store checks any new apps uploaded to ensure they don’t contain any viruses or malware. Apple is confident in both its software updates and app security to make antivirus software unnecessary. However, other devices such as an Android phone or Windows laptop could sometimes benefit from additional security software.
Like Apple, these devices have default security and often don’t require antivirus software to stay safe. That doesn’t mean that they should be ignored. Installing antivirus software can provide you with greater visibility into potential threats. As of January 2021, 87 percent of ransomware attacks targeted Windows computers, so the persistent threat is real. Downloading security software can help detect malicious threats while providing the option to quarantine and remove dangerous files.
- Physical Protection
One area often overlooked when discussing protecting your data is physical protection. This could mean anything from making sure you don’t leave your devices unattended or using software that allows you to track your smartphone’s physical location. It might seem obvious but unattended devices are open to data theft regardless of your security. If someone gets ahold of your open laptop there’s not much to stop them from accessing your sensitive data.
To avoid the drama of a device that is stolen or destroyed, be sure to routinely back up your files through the cloud or external storage device. And if you are using a backup storage device, make sure that they’re located in a secure location. Some tools allow users to remotely manage their stolen devices to stop thieves from gaining access.
In part 2 of our blog series, we’ll look at how unique passwords and passcodes are essential for protecting data. We’ll also highlight the rise of social engineering and its impact on mobile users. For more information on Red River’s security capabilities check out our webpage.
