What’s the first thing you do when you wake up each morning? Start the coffee? Tell your dog she’s a good girl? Scroll through your phone? Chances are, it’s probably that last option. If you’re like a lot of us, the first thing you do doesn’t even require you to step out of your warm, cozy cocoon of blankets. If we’re constantly connected from the moment we wake up until the moment we shut our eyes, isn’t it important to take precautions to stay safe while we’re checking our emails and binging the newest season of Stranger Things on our phones?
iPhone users with security apps installed
Android users with security apps installed
A recent Kaspersky Lab survey noted that only 43% of Apple iPhone users have security applications versus 53% of Google Android users. Kaspersky research also points out that it’s Android users who are more susceptible to malware. In fact, 99% of all mobile malware is designed for that platform due in part to the open-source software the Android OS uses which allows anyone to download and develop apps for free. In order to develop apps for Apple, developers must obtain a license making it more difficult, but not impossible, to freely develop mobile malware. While it’s hard to guarantee that your devices will never be compromised, these 4 things can make your phone safer while on the go:
Strong passwords and fingerprint authentication can safeguard your device when you’re not around. There are settings to even disable or erase all your phone data after a certain number of failed password attempts.
Mobile malware can easily target text messages. Be careful of what information you send via text (such as credit card numbers or SSNs).
The little lock icon to the left of a website’s URL in the browser shows that your connection uses SSL encryption. It used to be thought that it signified a secure connection, but a lot of phishing sites are now using SSL encryption to trick users into entering personal information on their site. In addition to checking for a little lock, make sure that the URL you’ve visited is legitimate (for example, you’re at amazon.com and not amaazon.com). It’s especially important to check for this icon when you’re entering payment details online.
Always review the developer information and reviews before downloading a mobile application to ensure you’re downloading an official, reputable app.
