Securing your digital lifeline
Our mobile devices are an integral part of our lives. They connect us to our communities, our workplaces, and the world at large. However, this convenience comes with its own set of risks.
The threat landscape
Cybercriminals are aware of the value that our phones hold. From personal photos to sensitive work emails, our devices store a wealth of information that could be exploited if it falls into the wrong hands.
Imagine the consequences if someone gained unauthorised access to your device. They could potentially access your emails, social media accounts, and even your banking information.
Securing your device
To prevent unauthorsedunauthorised access to your online accounts, it’s crucial to secure your device. Start by setting up a lock mechanism. This could be a PIN, or, for added security, a biometric lock such as a fingerprint or face ID.
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of protection is a critical way to secure your accounts.
Enable 2FA on your email and social media accounts. This means that even if someone manages to get your password, they won’t be able to access your account without the second factor, usually a code sent to your phone or obtained from an authenticator app such as Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator.
Public Wi-fi risks
When you’re out and about, you might be tempted to use public Wi-fi to check your email or make purchases.
However, remember that public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured. Your personal information could be intercepted or seen by others. It’s safer to save your online shopping and banking for when you’re at home and use mobile data whenever possible.
App security
Keeping your apps updated is another important step in securing your phone.
Outdated apps can leave your phone vulnerable to malware or viruses. Only download apps from official app stores like the Play Store or App Store, and set them to update automatically.
Take the time to check the permissions on each app. Make sure they don’t have access to anything they don’t need such as your contacts and photos.
And if there are apps you no longer use, delete them. That’s one less potential security risk to worry about!
Wrap-up
Your phone is the gateway to a wealth of personal information. By following these steps, you can help protect it from cyber-attackers.
For more digital safety advice, check out the Mindshift resources or the the OwnYourOwnOnline website.
Remember, in the digital world, security is not a one-time task but an ongoing process.
Stay safe!
