11 ways to protect your phone

Smartphones have evolved by leaps and bounds over the years. Now you can use your phones for just about anything – from paying bills to checking important emails to storing sensitive data and media. There’s not much smartphones can’t do.

With this type of technological advance, the risks have also skyrocketed. This means that the small device that fits so comfortably in your hands will put you at great risk if you let your guard down and it gets stolen, hacked, or damaged.

The good news is that there are actually several ways to protect your phone and this article covers 11 of them. Let’s start!

1. Use lock codes

This should be obvious enough, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t even bother to set up a lock code for their phones and SIM cards. The problem goes far beyond missed contacts and potential missed appointments. Worst case scenario: If your phone is lost or stolen, your data will be vulnerable to people with bad intentions.

Avoid this problem by entering a password not only on your phone, but also on your SIM card. That way, you’d at least buy yourself some time to do something about the loss before someone else can crack your access codes.

two. See what wireless networks you connect to

We live in the age of social media, where people thrive by being connected to other people around the world. Staying connected online often sucks up data and sends your phone bills skyrocketing, which is why WiFi connections are a godsend. However, if you’re not careful which one you connect to, you can expose your phone to malicious people.

Fortunately, smartphones have been programmed to lessen the chances of this risk. Get in the habit of turning off your wireless connection when you’re not using it. This tip actually solves two problems: it helps you avoid data breach on your phone and it makes your battery last longer.

3. Be careful with Bluetooth connections too

Although much more secure than wireless connections due to their relatively short range, Bluetooth connections can still pose a threat to your phone’s security. Hackers, when in range, can make calls, listen to conversations, and access data just as easily as they would on their own phones.

Set Undiscoverable mode as your default Bluetooth setting. By doing so, your device will no longer appear on the list of potential hackers. If you receive unknown requests to pair with your device, always choose to decline.

Four. Be very careful with applications

With the recent wave of malware on phones running on Android OS, one needs to be more vigilant while downloading apps. Although it may not be convenient to read the software requirements during installation, doing so will give you an idea of ​​whether a piece of software, particularly unknown software, is being reasonable with its access requests.

Always make sure to download apps only from safe and official platforms. You can also keep your phone safe by not saving your login details every time you log in to internet browsers as doing so will make it easier for hackers to access your data as it will all be in one place.

5. Download Effective Anti-Malware

This is useful if you are unlucky enough to get malware on your phone while downloading apps. An anti-malware software will definitely soften the blow of infections and prevent your data and media from being damaged.

6. Update your phone’s operating system frequently

Constant OS updates can get a bit annoying at times, but it will serve your phone well if you don’t ignore it. Upgrading your operating system will put into action a better and more secure system that will keep your data safe. So when a reminder pops up on your phone screen, free up storage space and start updating right away.

7. Back up your data

Losing your phone is bad enough. Waiting forever to retrieve all your contacts, appointments, sensitive data and relevant documents makes it much worse. Backing up your phone data may not seem important to you now, but it will certainly come in handy when you need it.

There are services that will automatically upload all your data to an online resource every time you connect to a strong Wi-Fi network, freeing you from the hassle of setting it up yourself. Find one that best suits your phone’s operating system and take advantage of it.

8. Jailbreaking or rooting your device is a no-no

Jailbreaking or rooting a smartphone is one way to bypass manufacturers’ security protocols. Doing so will significantly weaken your phone and make it vulnerable to software threats. Try to avoid doing this as much as you can.

9. get insurance

Human error will never be out of the question when it comes to dealing with phone security. Accidental drops and liquid spills are common and will likely cost you a couple of hundred dollars in repairs.

By purchasing insurance for your phone, the damages mentioned above will be covered and you will have fewer threats to worry about. There are plenty of good insurance plans out there. All you have to do is research them and find out what type of coverage you want.

10 Use a reliable screen protector

When it comes to damage to your phone’s screen, you can never go wrong with tried and tested protection technology that will never let you down in your time of need. There are many good options on the market today, but the products that stand out are often the ones that go above and beyond.

Opt for screen protectors made from military-grade polyurethane for an extra layer of defense against blunt trauma. These things are usually more affordable than you think and can definitely withstand a lot of impact, leaving your phone screen unscathed every time.

eleven Invest in a dependent case

You can take all the necessary precautions to keep your phone safe, but you can’t deny the fact that they’re always just one massive drop away from being completely useless. Don’t worry, it happens even to the most cautious people.

When you invest in a shockproof and waterproof phone case, you significantly lessen your worries of dropping and damaging your phone. Now you can take your phone everywhere: the beach, the mountains, and even the sky. Be sure to choose phone cases that are made of military-grade materials, waterproof to 24 feet, and shockproof, snowproof, and dustproof.

Making sure your phone is secure at all times can be a bit overwhelming, but the tips above will take a considerable amount of pressure off your shoulders. Keep them in mind and you’re ready to go.