7 Security Downloads That Will Protect Your Mobile Device From Cyber Criminals

(Newswire.net — April 7, 2022) — There is a misconception that iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, and tablets are primarily immune to cyber-attacks. 

Secure Your Mobile Connection 

Mobile phones make up the lion’s share of Internet traffic vis-a-vis banking, shopping, and social networking.

Bankmycell.com estimates that there are some 6.64 billion smartphone & mobile phone users worldwide, with 7.26 billion mobile phones. These figures presented by Ericsson & The Radicati Group are testament to the importance of mobile in today’s world.

With increased usage comes increased risk. Cybercriminals are continually seeking out subversive methods of infiltrating mobile communications. We’ve compiled a listing of seven measures you can take to protect your smartphone from cybercriminals.

1. Set up biometric security locks on your device
2. Never open suspicious files, folders, links, or photographs
3. Install anti-malware software with remote wipe functionality
4. Only install apps from the App Store or the Google Play Store
5. Avoid installing jailbreak/rooting software on your smartphone
6. Never leave your device charging in an unattended public location
7. Use a VPN to protect and obfuscate your mobile communications

Ready to Get Started? Let’s Begin

1. Set up Biometric Security Locks on Your Device 

One of the most important things you can do to protect your mobile device from cybercriminals is to set up a biometric lock. A biometric lock uses some form of physical characteristics – such as your fingerprint, iris scan, or facial recognition – to unlock your device. Biometric locks provide an extra layer of security, as it makes it much harder for someone to gain access to your phone if they don’t have the correct biometric information. 

2. Never Open Suspicious Files, Folders, Links, or Photographs 

Another way to protect your mobile device from cybercriminals is to be careful about what you open and click on. For example, if you receive a suspicious file, folder, link, or photograph from someone you don’t know – or even from someone you do know – it’s best not to open it. These could contain malware that will infect your device and give the person who sent it access to your personal information. 

3. Install Anti-Malware Software with Remote Wipe Functionality 

Another great way to protect your mobile device is to install anti-malware software with remote wipe functionality. This type of software can help protect your device from malware and other malicious software that cybercriminals could use to gain access to your personal information. Additionally, the remote wipe functionality allows you to remotely erase all data from your device if it is lost or stolen – making it much harder for someone to access your sensitive data. 

4. Only Install Apps from the App Store or the Google Play Store 

When installing apps on your mobile device, it’s essential to install them from official app stores – such as the App Store for iOS devices or the Google Play Store for Android devices. While there are many reputable third-party app stores out there, there is also a risk that some of these could contain malware-infected apps that could infect your device and give cybercriminals access to your personal information. By only installing apps from official app stores, you can help reduce this risk. 

5.  Use a VPN to protect and Obfuscate your Mobile Communications 

Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help protect your mobile communications from eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks and provide an additional layer of protection when accessing public WiFi networks. When choosing a VPN download for smartphones and tablets, select one with solid encryption and avoid free VPN services. These are often supported by selling user data or featuring advertisements.

6. Avoid Installing Jailbreak/Rooting Software on Smartphone 

Jailbreaking or rooting refers to the process of gaining administrative privileges on a mobile device to customize its appearance and behavior beyond what is usually allowed by the manufacturer. However, this process can also leave devices vulnerable to installing malicious third-party applications that can circumvent jailbreak/root protections. For this reason, it’s generally advisable not to jailbreak or root your device unless you need to and understand the risks involved. 

7. Never Leave your Device Charging in a Public Unattended Location 

Leaving your mobile phone device unattended in a public location while it is charging is another way that cybercriminals can compromise your security. Not only could someone physically steal your phone, but they could also plugin the malicious device that would allow them to gain access to your data or install malicious software on your phone. If you must leave your phone unattended in a public location for a short period, make sure it is well concealed and not visible to passersby. 

These 7 tips will get you off to a flying start. Be on the lookout for iOS and Android updates (or auto-updated) to stay ahead of the game. Now you’re safe to browse on mobile.