How to keep your smartphone data safe

The vast majority of people in the UK now own at least one smartphone. Many people use these for shopping, banking, and social networking, all of which involve a lot of personal data. What are the best ways to keep this safe?

1. Check for and install security updates

Installing the latest security updates ensures you are protected against recently discovered vulnerabilities. Most phones give you the option to automatically accept and run these kinds of updates. You can usually find these options under ‘settings’.

2. Set up a timed lock and face/fingerprint unlock

You can set your phone display so that it goes off/dark after a set period of time. Keeping this time short can reduce the window of opportunity for someone else to access your apps/data etc.
Additionally, you can set your phone to unlock using a fingerprint or facial recognition. This makes it almost impossible for someone other than you to unlock the phone.

3. Backup your important data

This not only helps keep your data safe but also means you don’t lose treasured photos/videos. Regularly backing up your phone’s contents to the cloud means that if your phone is broken or lost/stolen, you will still be able to access important files etc; what’s more, you can restore them on a new device if needed.

Are you looking for a solution to mobile signal issues?

If you are travelling a lot or spend a lot of time in places without wi-fi, you may benefit from using a multi network SIM card. These work by switching between networks based on which has the best coverage/signal at any specific time/location. This will – theoretically – prevent you from ever losing signal.

There are several companies that offer multi network SIM cards. Some of these, such as www.lister-communications.co.uk/business-mobiles/multi-network-data-sim-cards, also have useful online resources, such as the examples seen here.

4. Keep notifications private

Most smartphones give you the option to view messages/notifications only after unlocking. This is good for privacy and security, although it can make things a bit slower.

Niru Taylor

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