3 Ways Of Protecting Your Smartphone

Not only valuable, but packed full of confidential data, walking around with your smart phone is something of a liability. But unless you switch it off, put it in a cupboard and never use it, your smart phone is always at risk. Theft, loss, damage or viruses and security breaches are all concerns, so find out how to protect your smart phone from anything life might throw at it.

Virus and Malware Threats

The Android operating system powers 70% of all smartphones across the world, so it’s also the operating system most likely to be targeted with malicious viruses. iOS is not so vulnerable, unless the device has been Jailbroken to allow installation of software not from Apple.

To protect your Android device from viruses and malware, you should take these precautions:

• Install anti-virus software on your phone
• Always update your phone with the latest operating system
• Never download software or apps from unverified sources or developers
• Never log into your bank account on your smartphone through your browser – this is because unofficial websites posing as banks now exist. Instead, use a mobile banking app, downloaded from your banks official website.
• Switch off Bluetooth Discovery Mode
• Never open email attachments unless you’re sure of who they’re from and what they are

Protection from Theft

Although cybercrime is a threat, so is good old fashioned theft. So be sure to protect your phone by keeping it physically safe as well as technologically secure. To keep your phone safe you should always:

• Keep your phone out of sight in your bag or pocket when out of use
• Always lock your screen and set a passcode
• Back up your data and use a remote wiping security app
• Take a note of your IMEI number. This is the unique number of your phone, and can be found by pressing *#06#. If this fails to work, check the inside of the phone. In the event of theft, your IMEI number can be used to help trace or freeze your device.

Phone Insurance

One of the most obvious ways to protect your phone in case of disaster is to make sure it’s insured. This will enable you to make a claim in the event of your phone being lost, damaged or stolen. You can insure your phone through a specialist phone insurance provider or with your network provider, but the latter is generally a more expensive option.

Before taking out phone insurance always check the following:

• What exactly you’re covered for – many policies have a number of exclusions. For example, the definition of ‘loss’ may not apply if you’ve been forgetful and left your phone somewhere
• The excess amount – this is the amount you have to pay towards replacement or repair in event of a claim
• How quickly you will receive a replacement – especially if you rely heavily on your phone
• Are you covered for unauthorised calls?

Author: Wendy Lin is a painter, writer and mother. She enjoys finding the simple way to live life to the fullest including traveling, hiking and painting in nature.

Image source: Flickr