Smartphone security: Tips to make your device foolproof

With digital revolution, as smartphones continue to touch each and every aspect of our lives, people’s dependency on digital tools also keeps on growing exponentially.

From simplest of tasks like communicating with your near and dear ones to buying something or finding a new place or even watching content and whole lot of other myriad works, smartphones have taken our lives to an entirely new dimension, without which we cannot even think to survive in the present world.

Keeping your smartphone secured thus has become utmost necessary for various reasons. Below mentioned are some simple tips that can be easily followed to keep your device sound and safe.

Use a screen lock

Now a days, most phones offer facility of screen or pattern lock. So if you think that some eyes may pry on your beloved device, then install a lock system which may be either in form of personalized shape or pattern that is drawn on the screen or PIN code or even newer innovative ways like finger print ID.

Install Anti-virus

With the immediacy becoming a huge factor, now a days people are looking to carry devices that are handy to carry but powerful like computers. So as capabilities of smartphones approach those of a PC, ensuring protection for a smartphone has also become more important due to significant rise in threats in accordance to usage. Many companies have seriously started to offer software that can ward off malwares and other suspicious programs.

Use SIM lock facility

While you may think that using screen lock will defend your phone against others, but in reality if someone removes SIM card from your device, he or she can use it in other mobiles. To prevent this from happening, you should set up a SIM card lock in the form of a PIN number that will need to be entered when a phone is turned on.

Only use apps from Google Play store

As you should know that a vast majority of Android malware comes from unreliable third party application sources. Google has also kept working on making the Play Store safer than ever so make sure you use only those apps that have good reviews in the Play store. You can also automatically scan your Android device for malware when you install programs. In order to do this, go to Settings > Security > Play Protect. For maximum security, click Full scanning and "Scan device for security threats" on.

Uninstall inoperative apps

There are many applications that get continue to get updated even when you are not using, and there is every possibility of a malware sneaking up through the internet into your phone without even your knowledge. The fewer program doors you have into your smartphone, the fewer chances an attacker has to invade it.

Switch off your connections when not in use

Always switch off your wireless connections when you are not using your smartphone, because it ensures that no one can connect to you without your knowledge. Also be extra careful while using public wireless and hotpots because they contain serious malware content that may damage your device.

Turn off Geotagging

As many smartphone social networking apps automatically upload photos to the Internet, some of them embed location tags, also called "geotags," right into the photo files themselves.

Back up your data

Things may always turn out bad if you are not careful but it would be worse if you are not prepared to get them restored. So backing up your data is most essential. Make sure, "Back up my data" and "Automatic restore" are enabled in the settings and synced with Google.

Ignore spam & emails

Never click on promotional emails or texts sent from suspicious spots. Avoid looking into password prompts and attachments because they may be containing harmful content.