Are You Taking Mobile Security with You on Vacation?

Everything moves quickly in today’s digital world – more so than ever, and our communications are constantly by our side. The applications we use on our mobile devices have become an integral part of our lives. We use them to browse the internet, network, communicate, and much more. But they open us up to risks caused by fraudsters who may steal information or damage our phones.

According to data from Asee,  over 75% of published apps have at least one cybersecurity vulnerability. This means that 3 out of every 4 your favorite apps are at risk. We need to be cautious while downloading and maintaining apps.

What are the best security strategies to secure your mobile device?

As noted above, 75% of mobile apps present a security risk, but business apps are three times more likely to leak log-in information. These risks also include even the most popular apps. Those with over 5 million downloads still have at least one security flaw.

It's dangerous to discount the threats against mobile devices and apps. There are many ways for hackers and criminals to steal your data. This can happen because of your internet connection, app permissions, and more.

It is a fact that mobile apps can present dangers, but there are ways to reduce these risks. If you’re careful about where you download apps, the permissions you allow, and the internet connection you use, you can keep your data as safe as possible. Here are some important security tips for mobile app users:

ONLY download from official stores

Selecting the safest apps is the first step in mobile app security. Some apps look legitimate but are not secure. Be aware of the source before you click download. Always download your apps from the App Store or Google Play.

The App Store and Google Play check apps to make sure they're safe. Don't download from random websites. They might have fake apps that can hurt your phone.

Consider the ratings and reviews

Before you adopt an app you like, check out the ‘buzz’ on it. See what other people are saying about it before you download it. If lots of people like it and say it's safe, it is probably fine. Still, pay attention to any people saying it has problems and dig a little deeper before you consider installing it.

Scrutinize the app permissions

Stop and do a little research when you find an app you want to download. If you download a fake app by mistake, your device may be attacked. It can open you up to malware, ransomware, and more threats.

It’s fairly common for apps to request permission to access certain parts of your phone. Maybe they want to know your location or use your camera, BUT: do they really need that information? If an app requests access to too much, that’s a red flag, telling you not to install it.

Update your phone’s operating system

Ongoing updates is always good cybersecurity hygiene. New updates frequently patch security vulnerabilities, making it more difficult for the bad guys to hack into your phone.

Use strong passwords

Apps are useful for many day-to-day tasks like sending emails, storing files, and sharing on social media, so we tend to juggle a lot of passwords, and the urge is to make them simple and easy to remember, but the easier it is to remember, the easier it is to hack. If an app is hacked, your personal information can be stolen.

Protect your apps with strong passwords. Make sure your password is difficult to guess. Use letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for all apps. That way, if a person guesses one password, he or she cannot access all your apps. Our sister company, IT Support LA, provides a handy guide for how to create strong passwords.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

You should already have Two-Factor Authentication or Multi-Factor Authentications (MFA) in place, because it provides an additional guard rail in the log in process. The most common form is to have it send a code to your phone or email, and you plug the code into the login screen. This will make it harder for bad people to get into your accounts.

NEVER trust public Wi-Fi

This can’t be said enough: hackers lurk in areas with public Wi-Fi, like airports or a local Starbucks. Bad guys park themselves at these spots and watch what you do online, stealing what information can make a buck for them – and don’t do your online banking there. Never use public Wi-Fi on important apps unless you have installed a VPN (Virtual Personal Network) which encrypts all your communications.

When you’re done, log out of apps

It’s convenient to just stay logged on to sites or apps to save time, but that creates a window for theft. Log out of apps whenever you're done using them, especially if the apps hold personal information, such as banking or email apps. If someone steals your phone, it's much harder for them to access your apps.

9: Regularly update your apps

Just like updates to your Operating System (OS), you need to keep your apps up to date. Developers usually fix security issues with patches included in updates. Update your apps whenever newer versions get released. It will help in safeguarding your information.

Security features are already in place – use them!

Most modern apps have their own additional cybersecurity features, including things like fingerprint locks or facial recognition. Switch these on, as they can help stop other people using your apps. Even with these security tips, it’s important to take other measures to protect your data. Be sure to follow our tips on safe downloads and data protection in addition.