Cybersecurity was never as essential as it is now. Recently, hackers have become more sophisticated because they are now hacking mobile devices using different techniques for monetary reasons.
You must protect your data to avoid it falling into the wrong hands and because of that, we have listed 5 essential tips in this article for you to look into and stay secure.
Protect your mobile device with these 5 essential tips:
Connect to Secure Wi-Fi
When you visit shared Wi-Fi areas such as coffee shops, restaurants, or airports, the network is usually unencrypted. Hackers will take advantage of such a situation, and after you connect your mobile device, your data becomes vulnerable to interception. If your data is accessed, hackers can use it against your will. Somebody can also use it to get access to your credit card information, bank information, and others.
If you will be traveling and expect to use public Wi-Fi, you should install a Virtual Private Network on your device. A VPN provides strong protection and keeps your data safe, especially on public Wi-Fi.
Using A Strong Password And Authentication
If you use a simple password in your mobile devices, it is easy for cybercriminals to bypass and get your information. Some of the information could be about your company or other personal details. With such data, the hacker can use it illegally to access your projects or financial accounts.
Using a strong, complex, and unique password helps stop cyber thieves from accessing any of your information. A strong password can have ten characters that include symbols, numbers, upper and lowercase. It is also recommended you change your password regularly.
Remembering your passwords will be challenging. Opt to use the best password manager. Additionally, when accessing your sensitive network areas, choose multi-factor authentication, but we talk more about the multi-factor authentication below.
Avoid Unknown Emails, Links, And Pop-ups
You should be aware of phishing. Hackers can try to trick you by sending you pop-ups, new links, and emails on your device. If you click on such, it will lead to a security breach. Phishers will prey on you, hoping you’ll open the pop-up windows and other malicious links with viruses and malware. That’s why you should be cautious about emails and attachments from the senders you don’t know. You only need one click, and the hackers can infiltrate your device.
Never use your company’s or personal information to respond to a pop-up webpage, email, or any form of communication you have not initiated. It will lead to identity theft, and many ransomware attacks have happened this way.
Your phone can help filter these suspicious emails and block them. You’ll get a notification that your email is at the quarantine folder, and at that place, you can check whether it’s legitimate. If you’re unsure whether the email or communication is not legit, ask a friend or trustworthy expert for help.
Backup Your Data Regularly
If malware or ransomware attacks your phone, there’s a big chance of losing essential data. The malware might erase all your data from your phone.
Backed up data stands a great way to restore your lost data. You should back up your data regularly because it’s one of the overlooked steps in online security. You should follow the 3-2-1 backup data rule. It means backup your data in two different media – external and local hard drives – and an off-site location – cloud storage.
Use Two or Multi-Factor Authentication
NIST suggests that you should not use an SMS delivery as part of your two-factor authentication. That’s because hackers can use malware easily to attack your mobile phone networks. During the process, it will likely compromise your data. And if your vital information lands to the wrong person to use it against your wish.
Considering two-factor or even multi-factor authentification is a great way to protect your device from hackers. It adds additional layers of security to the standard password you use on online identification.
If you’re not using two-factor authentication, you only have to enter your username and password – not something we recommend you to do. However, when you use two factors, you have to enter additional authentication. You might have to enter another password, a fingerprint, or a Personal Identification Code.
Multi-factor authentication will prompt you to add more than two identifications after entering a username and password. It is a great way to ensure your information is safe.
Bottom Line
Malware, phishing, and hacking incidents have become the highest cause of breaching securities today. But the troubling thing about hacking attempts is the results of human errors. Nevertheless, education and awareness are crucial to help fight against these cybercriminals’ activities.
We hope you’ve found these cybersecurity tips essential to help mitigate risks of security incidents.