I bet almost everyone nowadays can not imagine their life without a cell phone. Modern devices do everything we need, or almost everything: calls, texts, web browsing, games, video conferencing. You name it. But have you ever thought how secure is your phone data and what could you do to keep it private? Here are answers to the most common security questions.
How can I know if an app is safe?
While the largest number of mobile developers make safe and convenient apps, there are others who specialise in rogue apps. If the term doesn’t sound familiar to you rogue apps are software capable of collecting data that can include your private information such as email address, phone number, social networks’ ID, GPS coordinates etc. Pretty much clear, right? So how not to fall into a trap of downloading them? Actually it’s simple:
- Download apps only from official app stores such as Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store since the majority of rogue apps hide on websites and unofficial app stores.
- If you have some doubts about any particular app, read users reviews first. You could find a lot of opinions regards the app which would make it easier for you to make a decision.
- Still having doubts? Check out the developer.
- And to make it more safe you can install a mobile security app, for instance, Mobile Security and Antivirus by AVAST Software, Dr.Web Anti-virus by Dr.Web, Ltd, Lookout Security & Antivirus by Lookout Mobile Security, which helps you make a choice.
Okey, I have a safe app does it mean I have no more reasons to worry about?
Well, not really. Most free apps are free by showing messages from third-party ads. Studies show that since the ad code comes from remote networks, it can have all sorts of harmful things, along with root apps which can grab control of your device. And again, a mobile security app could help you a lot and stop rogue code.
Is it safe to connect to the Internet?
Ummm, not quite. Your cellular carrier’s 4G or 3G networks should be secure, but it’s not the same regards Wi-Fi hotspots. Folks who use the same Wi-Fi network as you do can snatch any data you send and no, unfortunatelly, i’m not kidding. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation encountered cases where hackers stole banking login information from people using Wi-Fi.
Since mobile security apps cannot fully protect you against that it’s better not to deal with any sensitive data if you are not on a trusted secure Wi-Fi network or 3G, 4G.
Is it safe to check my bank account on my device?
Have you read what is written above? So if you are on a secure Wifi network or 3G, 4G and have some protection apps it is relatively safe.
What to do if my phone gets stolen?
The worst case scenario has happened: your phone got stolen. It takes the thieves a while to find out your screen lock password. Your phone has a password protection, right? As long as your phone is not switched off you can try to track your device using GPS or wipe your private data away. Likely there are a lot of apps available, for example:
- Autowipe by vesperaNovus
- Android Lost by Theis Borg
- Find My iPhone by Apple Inc
- Device Locator by Ravneet Singh
Hopefully your device will never get misplaced and your sensitive data will be protected. And as always I would be happy to hear from you. If you have any questions regards mobile security please let me know in the comments below.
Author Bio: Faina Babintseva mainly writes about mobile development trends and industry related news. Her main interests include technologies, web and mobile development, and old cars. You can also hit her up on twitter @Faina2687