6 Tips on How to secure your smartphone

                     Six tips on how you can improve your mobile security practices.

Nearly two-thirds of Filipinos adults owned a smartphone in 2015Footnote1 to make calls, text, browse the internet, check email and shop. These activities can put your privacy at risk, which can lead to identity theft and fraud. Learning the basics of mobile device security can help keep your personal and sensitive information safe.

Here are six security tips to help you learn how to secure your smartphone:

1. Lock your Phone

Set your phone’s security to lock your screen after five minutes or less of inactivity. It’s a simple way to prevent thieves from accessing your information if you leave your phone unattended. Some phones offer more complex security measures such as fingerprint ID, passwords or lock patterns. Experiment with them to find which is right for you.

2. Use a "find your phone" app

Enable or install an app that allows you to remotely find your phone—from a computer, tablet or other phone—if you lose it. In instances where your phone may be unrecoverable, many of these apps let you send remote commands to erase your phone's data.

3. Only download from official sources

Malware, software used for illegal activity, can steal data directly from your phone. So only download apps that come from a reputable source and never download attachments from unknown sources in emails, unfamiliar sites or unrecognized pop-up windows. For instance, a banking app should come from the bank itself or from an official app store.

4. Be cautious about unknown connections

When possible, only connect to known, trusted Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices. In your phone’s Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, enable it to only connect automatically to networks and devices you’ve already approved. This helps prevent your phone from transmitting information without your knowledge.

5. Keep your operating system up to date

Hackers are constantly searching for weaknesses in operating systems, and software manufacturers are regularly releasing updates to protect against mobile security threats. It’s critical you regularly check for and download those patches. Not doing so can leave your information vulnerable to criminals. The easiest way to do this is to enable automatic updates in your settings.

While it may be tempting to jailbreak your operating system so you can access apps not approved by your phone’s manufacturer, it’s not a good idea. Doing so will strip away your phone’s built-in security features, leaving your private information vulnerable.

6. Don't make your personal info easy to find

Avoid storing, or letting your phone “remember,” personal data such as credit card information, Social Security numbers, passwords or other sensitive information directly on your phone. The convenience of storing this information in a notes app may be tempting, but it’s an easy target if your phone falls into the wrong hands.

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