Experience the excitement of getting your hands on a new smartphone—it’s a special moment! We all love customizing our phones with cool cases and fun apps.

But before you start personalizing you new phone, let’s talk about some of the essential phone security tips you need to know in order to keep it safe from hackers. As you dive into using your awesome new phone, let us share some helpful safety tips. We’re here to make sure your phone stays secure and keeps bringing you joy!

New Phone Security Tips

Ensure Public or Free Wifi is Protected

Everybody loves free wifi, especially if your data plan is limited. But here’s one of our phone security tips you may not think about – that cheap or free wifi can turn expensive in a very devastating manner because most free wifi points are not encrypted. These open networks allow cybercriminals to eavesdrop on the network traffic and quickly get your passwords, usernames, and other sensitive information. For a skilled cybercriminal, it could only take moments to for your data to land in the wrong hands.

The threat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, either. In fact, a quick search turns up dozens of articles proclaiming that “hacking wifi networks have become a piece of cake.” As the demand for free and accessible wifi rises, criminals catch on to this low-hanging fruit. And it can easily become rotten.

To protect against wifi hacking, use applications that secure your connection or tell you the status of the wifi to which you are connected. WPA (Wifi Protected Access) is more secure than WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy). As a matter of caution, you should also turn off wireless connectivity (wifi and Bluetooth) when you are not using them. This will help avoid automatic connection to unencrypted networks and save your battery.

Use Strong Passwords/Biometrics

When it comes to phone security tips, this one is a big one! Strong passwords and biometrics. These features, such as fingerprint authenticators, make unauthorized access nearly impossible. Your passwords should be eight or more characters long and contain alphanumeric characters.

The complexities of your passwords in other apps might tempt you to store them like a browser does – using the ‘remember me’ feature. Device users and administrators should avoid this feature since it only increases the chances of your password getting spoofed.

Alternatively, if you lose your device, another person might gain full access to it. With that comes access to accounts where you have valuable data such as banking and payments systems. Furthermore, don’t forget to change your password from time to time (at least every three months).

Consider Multi-factor Authentication

If your mobile device allows two-factor authentication (2FA), don’t hesitate to use it. You don’t want to be subject to unforeseen attacks. When 2FA is enabled, you will need to authenticate using a second method when logging into certain apps or websites.

Authentication methods include a text message, email link, or confirming the validity of the login from another device where you are connected.

Only Download Apps from Official App Stores

Here’s one of our top phone security tips – don’t be fooled by counterfeit apps! Make sure you do your due diligence before downloading any app because no one wants to get ahold of some bogus software.

Take a careful look at both the app maker’s website and the official app store – it’s safer that way, and you don’t want to be dealing with malware.

It’s better to spend a bit more for the real app – those fake ones might seem like a good deal, but they could have bad things like annoying ads, sneaky security problems, and strange hidden surprises. If you stick to the official app stores, every app goes through a thorough check – they look at how well it works and make sure it’s safe. It’s like having a security guard for your apps!

So it’s best to prove you are downloading from sources you trustworthy kneeling can trust even if it takes a bit more time – this way, you’ll ensure your pew details remain secure and all your features have the tick of approval. You can access a full range of stylish updates.

Allow Apps to Track Your Location Only Once

Speaking of downloading apps to your new phone; when installing new apps, you are prompted to allow the app to access your location.

If you allow it to access it all the time, a hacker can use the app to know your location at any time. If they get your geolocation, they can easily get more data about you such as your SSN, and birthplace. They can hack your identity and impersonate you online. You can improve your phone’s security by allowing location access only once in the settings. The access can get your location only that one time and has to request your permission to access another time.

Securing your new phone is challenging, but it should be your first priority. As new vulnerabilities are found every day, it’s essential to make sure that you are aware of any suspicious activity on your device.

Looking for more phone security tips? Don’t hesitate to let us know, just contact us at IFIX Technology. And don’t forget—safety first!