Mobile phones are not just for sending messages and making calls anymore. Smartphones, in particular, have become essential devices that keep people connected with the rest of the world, whether through social media or reading and watching the news. It has also become a tool for accomplishing activities such as shopping and banking.
According to Datareportal, there are 4.80 billion people (and counting) in the world who use the Internet. While laptops and desktops take up most of the devices that Internet users browse the Internet with, many also use mobile phones to access the web.
With the number of active Internet users today and the number of tasks people accomplish with a simple swipe of our phones, it is obvious that a lot of information gets exchanged on the Internet. How sure are you that your data is safe while browsing?
Keep Your Phone Safe Physically
Before even going into the ways to browse the Internet safely, let us first look at the importance of keeping your phone itself in its best condition. It has more to do with your information security than you think.
Since many smartphones are partially made of glass, just one moment of clumsiness could end up in a cracked screen along with other issues under the surface. The wisest thing you can do in the event of a broken screen is to get the screen repaired to quickly address problems before they have a chance to grow.
Aside from the fact that a broken screen can cut your fingers and make for an uncomfortable browsing experience, it also exposes your device to pollutants and elements that could end with irreversible damage. This could also mean the loss of data stored in your phone that you have not backed up.
Broken phones get in the way of your daily productivity, which could cost you the important information you keep in it. Don’t neglect to give your phone care physically.
Some Tips for Browsing the Net Safely
These are a few of the ways to make sure your information remains secure as you browse the net using your phone.
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Download apps and files wisely
Many seemingly safe apps could compromise the information you store on your phone. Aside from only downloading apps from your phone’s designated app store, you should also take the extra precaution of reading reviews in the store and online to see if there are security concerns that users have brought up.
When using the browser on your phone, double-check the websites you visit before inputting your personal information. This helps you make sure that you aren’t giving your information to suspicious websites.
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Keep your phone updated
The regular software updates of your phone’s operating system often have patches that improve security measures. Installing updates helps you avoid security issues that developers could have belatedly addressed after the previous version was rolled out.
However, don’t hurry to install the latest updates the moment they have been released. Check for reviews by experts to make sure that new versions don’t just pose additional security risks for your information.
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Be choosy with the Wi-Fi networks you connect to
Free Wi-Fi in malls, restaurants, and other public places is convenient but also insecure. Since it is easily accessible by everyone, hackers also have a much easier time getting into whatever device you are using and snooping into your browsing sessions. Public Wi-Fi is simply one of the easiest places to get malware into your mobile device.
As much as possible, avoid using public Wi-Fi entirely. If you have to use it, make sure you have a VPN to disguise your browsing sessions and make them unreadable to threats.
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Use a phone passcode
One other threat to the data you store in your phone is having your phone stolen. When you don’t have a phone passcode, the thief can just unlock your phone to get your information.
Smartphones have different methods of ensuring protection. Sometimes it is a straightforward password. Patterns, fingerprint scanning, and facial recognition are also other ways. A passcode is one of the simplest ways to protect your information.
Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Whatever you are doing on your phone, the wise practice is to exercise caution before everything you click, download, and send information to. It pays to verify the credibility of websites and apps before visiting. When you feel like being lax, remember that it could come at the cost of your privacy.
