Smartphone Security: Top Tips To Keep Your Personal Number Safe
Smartphones have become small extensions of our personal lives. We use these devices for many things, including work, connecting to our loved ones, and entertainment. Unfortunately, this also makes them prone to attacks. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to break into your iPhone or Android and steal sensitive data.
These attacks can take many forms, including emails, text messages, and instant messages. Not only that, but most of the time, these messages look legitimate and force many people into lowering their guard.
Security analysts estimate that millions of people get hacked every year from such messages. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to enhance your smartphone security and prevent these attacks.
From having a virtual phone number to using VPNs browse the internet, here are some of the best smartphone security tips to keep your personal number safe.
Stop Giving Out Your Number To Everyone
Giving out your phone number to many people can pose a security risk to your smartphone. You are opening the door for unwanted phone calls and text messages from unknown or malicious individuals by giving out your phone number.
These individuals may use your phone number to try and gain access to sensitive information, such as your bank account or personal data. Additionally, your phone number may be used to spread spam or phishing messages to your contacts. So, you’d do well to stop giving out your number freely.
Be Cautious When Using Your Phone Number To Register Online Accounts
Using your phone number to register for online accounts or websites can pose a security risk to your personal information. Some sites constantly ask for your information, including emails and phone numbers. If you don’t trust these websites, it would be in your best interests to completely avoid them.
By linking your phone number to your online accounts, you are potentially providing access to sensitive information, such as your name, location, and other personal details. If a hacker were to gain access to your phone number, they could use it to try and access your online accounts and potentially steal your personal information.
It’s essential to use a different phone number or email address when registering for these accounts. This will provide an additional layer of protection and make it more difficult for hackers to access your personal information.
Additionally, using a different phone number or email address for online accounts will also help to reduce the amount of spam and unwanted messages you receive to personal phone number. Get MoreMins virtual phone number with 50% discount.
Use A Virtual Phone Number And Avoid Leaking Your Personal Phone Number.
Speaking of using separate numbers, using a virtual phone number is also an effective way to enhance the security of your smartphone. A virtual phone number is a number that’s not tied or linked to a specific phone. It can be used to make and receive calls and texts over the internet.
By using a virtual phone number, you can avoid leaking your personal phone number and protect yourself from unwanted calls, messages, and texts from malicious individuals. Additionally, as mentioned above, a virtual phone number can be used to register for online accounts and websites, providing additional protection for your personal information.
Get A Separate Work Phone
You’ve heard the phrase before, “Don’t mix business with pleasure.” In this case, a separate work phone number can reduce the risk of data breaches, as you can keep sensitive work information separate from your personal phone. This can be especially important if you handle confidential or sensitive data in your job.
Make Sure Your Smartphone Device Is Up-To-Date And Secure
When a smartphone manufacturer releases updates for its operating system, it often includes security patches that fix vulnerabilities discovered in the system. Hackers can exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access to your personal information or perform other malicious activities.
Installing updates as soon as they are available ensures that your smartphone is protected against these types of threats. Besides, updates can also bring new features and improvements to your smartphone, helping it run more efficiently and effectively.
Use A VPN While Browsing
Using a virtual private network (VPN) on your smartphone is a good way to increase security and protect your personal information when you're connected to the internet. A VPN creates a secure (encrypted) connection between your smartphone and the internet, which can help to prevent hackers from intercepting and accessing your data.
This is especially important when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often unsecured and can be easily exploited by hackers. In addition to increasing security, the best mobile VPNs help keep your mobile number safe by allowing you to use a different, anonymous IP address when you're online. This can be useful for preventing your personal information from being tracked or logged by websites or online services.
Set Up Alerts With An Identity Theft Monitoring Company
Identity theft happens when a criminal uses your personal info, including your name, credit card, or social security information, without your permission. According to one survey, nearly half of all Americans fell victim to some form of identity theft in 2020. Last year alone (2021), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 1.4 million identity theft cases.
This can lead to financial losses, damage to your credit score, and other unwarranted problems. Identity theft can happen if you don’t keep your personal information safe, including your smartphone and personal number.
By setting up alerts, you can be notified if suspicious activity is detected on your accounts or if there are any changes to your personal information. This can allow you to take prompt action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage.
Fix Errant Public Records
Fixing errant public records can help enhance smartphone security while keeping your personal information safe because public records may contain sensitive information about you. They include details such as your name, address, and phone number. If these records contain errors, security gaps, or outdated information, it could make it easier for someone to impersonate you or steal your identity.
By ensuring that your public records are accurate and up-to-date, you can help protect yourself from identity theft and other types of fraud. This can also help improve the security of your smartphone, as many mobile devices use your personal information to verify your identity and protect your accounts.
Wipe Your Old Device Before Recycling Or Disposing Of It
It’s important to wipe/format your old device before recycling or disposing of it because smartphones often contain a wealth of personal information, such as emails, texts, photos, and financial data. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it could be used to steal your identity or commit other types of fraud.
Wiping your old device involves safely deleting all the data so that someone else can’t access it. This is important whether you are selling, donating, or recycling your device, as any personal information left on it could be accessed by someone else.
Bottom Line
Observing smartphone security measures is crucial as it prevents financial loss and any other damage you could suffer in the event of a data breach. Using a Virtual Phone Number, VPN, fixing public records, completely formatting your old device, keeping your device up to date, and having a separate work phone are just a couple of measures that you should consider to enhance your smartphone’s security while keeping your personal phone number safe.