How to increase your mobile security

Mr Robot
3 min readDec 2, 2021

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As smartphones are becoming our primary communication tools, I think that it is important to talk about mobile security. Mobile security is important because most of our data gets stored in our cell phones since it is the device with more interaction on a daily basis.

The data has to be secure somewhere if you don’t want any hackers, scammers or companies to get any access to it. Therefore, here I will explain some things you actually can do to improve the security of your smartphone and the data stored there:

Store important data and passwords in encrypted files.

The safest way to store or keep sensitive data on your phone is to use some sort of password-protected app to store data inside. Like Internxt with its apps, which uses End-To-End Encryption (E2EE) technology.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Virtual Private Networks, better known as VPNs, allow the user to make a secure connection through a private network via the Internet. They allow users to send and receive data over shared or public networks without unauthorized users being able to see it.

VPN keeps data anonymous and secure by assigning a temporary IP address and hiding the real IP address on every website or email you connect to. It is an additional layer of protection between the user and hackers.

Use call protection apps

Apps like Burner and Firewall protect the device against hackers, annoying telemarketers and unwanted callers from gaining access to your phone.

Burner helps keep the number private by generating new phone numbers that can be used as long as you want and then discarded. At the same time, Firewall allows iOS users to send unwanted calls directly to voicemail without ringing a single tone.

Use two-step authentication

This security step checks if your identity is legitimate before allowing you to use a particular account, such as email.

A common form of such authentication is one that generates a time-sensitive code that is sent to your phone via text message. The code is valid for one-time use only, and once entered, you will be able to access your account.

Prevent Unlocking or Rooting the device

Unlocking an iPhone or rooting an Android has a number of attractive advantages, such as allowing you to customize your phone, improve battery life or download unauthorized apps. But think twice, because it can make devices vulnerable.

Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.

Hacking Bluetooth channels is a fairly common form of invasion that hackers use. Very often, iPhone and Android Bluetooth is turned on by default and can become a security issue.

Through the Bluetooth channel, hackers could camouflage a malicious device and make it look like a legitimate device.

Avoid charging the phone in public ports

Charging your phone at public charging points (such as those you may find at airports, transit stations, airplanes, etc.), can make it vulnerable to a security breach.

Connecting to a public port does more than just charge a phone, it is also capable of transmitting data. If an outlet is compromised, then a hacker can gain access to your emails, text messages, photos and contacts.

Update your phone’s software frequently

You can avoid accepting notifications of phone updates, but updating your phone can reduce the chances of it being hacked.

With these easy measures, you will increase notably the security of your phone.

You’re welcome!

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