Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, and we rely on them for everything from communication to banking and shopping.
However, the risks of cyber attacks on phones are significant, and they can result in the theft of personal information, financial loss, and other consequences.
In this blog post, we will discuss the general advice around Android and Apple (iOS) phone cyber security, the risks of cyber attacks on phones, and the top five tips for reducing the risk of cyber attacks when using your smartphone.
But first...
General Advice Around Android and Apple Phone Security
When it comes to smartphone security, the two most popular operating systems are Android and iOS (Apple). Android is an open-source operating system used by a variety of phone manufacturers, while iOS is a proprietary operating system used exclusively by Apple.
Both Android and iOS offer robust cybersecurity features, but there are some key differences between them. Android is more vulnerable to malware and other types of attacks because it is an open-source operating system.
This means that anyone can access the source code and potentially exploit vulnerabilities. On the other hand, iOS is a closed operating system that is tightly controlled by Apple, which makes it more secure.
However, regardless of which operating system you use, there are some general cybersecurity practices that you should follow to protect your smartphone from cyber attacks:
One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your smartphone from cyber attacks is to keep your operating system and apps up to date.
Software updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and protect your phone from potential threats. Therefore, it is essential to install updates as soon as they become available.
Another way to protect your smartphone from cyber attacks is to use strong passwords and biometric authentication. A strong password is at least eight characters long and includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
You can watch our quick tutorial that includes the formula for easily creating long, complex passwords that you can remember HERE (it starts at the 7-minute mark).
Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, is also a secure way to protect your smartphone.
Cybercriminals often use fake apps to spread malware and steal personal information. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious when downloading apps.
Only download apps from reputable sources, such as Google Play or the Apple App Store. Before downloading an app, read reviews and check the permissions it requires.
If an app seems suspicious or requests unnecessary permissions, do not download it.
Another way to reduce the risk of cyber attacks on your smartphone is to block pop-ups.
Pop-ups are windows that appear on your phone's screen when you visit certain websites. These pop-ups can be used to deliver malware or to trick you into giving away your personal information.
To block pop-ups on your phone, follow these steps:
On Android:
On iOS:
By blocking pop-ups on your phone, you can prevent cyber criminals from using pop-ups to deliver malware or steal your personal information.
This is especially important when browsing the internet on your phone, as pop-ups can be particularly intrusive on smaller screens.
Public Wi-Fi networks, such as cafes and hotels, are often unsecured, which means that cybercriminals can easily intercept data transmitted over these networks.
Therefore, it is essential to be careful when using public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts, such as banking or email, while connected to public Wi-Fi.
If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) such as Express VPN or NordVPN to encrypt your data and protect your privacy.
By taking these steps and being vigilant about your smartphone cybersecurity, you can ensure that your smartphone remains a useful tool without putting your personal information at risk.
Remember, protecting your smartphone from cyber attacks is an ongoing process, and it requires constant attention and diligence.
So, stay safe and stay secure, and keep going with your cybersecurity training!