How to Protect your Smartphone against Hackers

We now carry in our pocket more computing power than Buzz Aldrin had when he landed on the moon. Everyone loves their cell phone. Here’s how to ensure that you keep it free from hackers.
  • Lock your phone

    Sure, it’s a lot easier to keep your phone unlocked all the time because you can get to your email, camera, texts and other features more quickly.
    But simply assume however you’d feel if a interloper or stranger found your phone on a bus seat or in a very cafe and will simply faucet(tap) on your email or contacts or banking app or photos.
    To prevent that from happening, always engage the four- or six-digit passcode – or set up a longer alphanumeric code – so that if you ever lose track of your phone, it won’t open your entire business to a stranger.
    Touch ID or Face ID (depending on your handset) can get you into your iPhone without entering the password. Android users have a choice of setting up a PIN or a pattern screen lock.
    Also, make sure to watchword defend all mobile apps that contain personal knowledge, like banking, email and your Amazon account.
  • Lock your apps

    A few smartphone brands now offer this feature. You can individually lock installed apps with a passcode or with fingerprint scan.
    This adds an additional layer of security for your knowledge and content, particularly if you’ve got bimanual over your phone to somebody to point out one thing.
    In case your phone doesn’t have it, you’ll be able to get this feature by putting in third party apps like AppLock or Norton AppLock.
  • Only use trusted apps

    Google includes a department dedicated to review of apps being supplementary to the play store for users.
    This removes majority of harmful apps before they reach the users.
    However, there are various other sources from where you can download apps for Android and there are no checks if the apps are safe or malicious.
    So, to air the safer facet, it’s suggested to disable installation of apps from unknown sources.
    Go to settings > security on your android smartphone and you’ll see an choice of ‘Install apps from Unknown Sources’, make sure that is switched off.
  • Update your OS and apps promptly

    Did your phone provide you with a warning that there’s an OS or app update – and you unnoticed that notification?
    Software updates will typically appear troubled, but they are critical in protecting your phone’s security.
    Many hackers exploit vulnerabilities that companies strive to fix before the disaster of stolen information or fraud takes place. The longer you wait to update, the more vulnerable your system becomes.
  • Plan ahead for emergencies

    Even if your phone gets lost or taken, you can contain the damage by making sure none of your precious secrets can be accessed by thieves or strangers.
    Both Apple and Google provide notice Device services like notice My iPhone and android Device Manager that may find your phone on a map and mechanically disable it.
    These services may also create your phone ring, either alarming the thief or just locating a phone you have temporarily lost track of.
    You can even arrange for the phone to delete all information after five to 10 false passcode tries.
  • Strengthen permissions

    Check the apps on your phone to determine whether they have more privileges than they need to get the job done.
    You can grant permissions to applications like access to the camera, the microphone, your contacts and your location.
    Keep track of which permissions you’ve given to which apps, and revoke permissions that are not needed.
    For iPhones, go to Settings and tap on Privacy, where you’ll see a list of all permissions and the apps you’ve granted them to.
    Android users will notice app permissions within the Application Manager underneath Device > Application in some android versions.
  • Use two-factor authentication wherever possible

    Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the least favorite security options around because you need to receive and type in an additional code beyond your password to get into your apps.
    However, it offers another solid barrier to access your personal info.
    If you use an iPhone, be sure to also enable 2FA on your Apple ID because your Apple ID hooks into all your devices and can access your iCloud account. That means entering a password plus a six-digit authorization code when logging in to a device from a new machine.
  • Back up your data

    Bad stuff happens, but don’t compound the problem by not being prepared. Always back up your data.
    This is general sensible apply and protects your necessary documents and pictures just in case of any smartphone loss.
    For an Android phone,, make sure “Back up my data” and “Automatic restore” are enabled in the settings and then sync your data with Google.
    For an iPhone, opt for your device within the settings so duplicate to iCloud.
Ready to ditch your cell phone for the newest model? Remember that Shred Shop of Memphis destroys all types of cell phones! Whether it is an iPhone or an Android, bring it to us. We will destroy your old cell phone ensuring that your personal and private information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. Visit us today!