Stepping Up Mobile Security

Our phones are more than a source of communication. We now use them to run our businesses, work from anywhere and even monitor our health. So, the loss or interference with our mobile phone can be devastating. But it’s not just physical threats that owners should be aware of. In this article, SIM-only mobile provider spusu offers advice for keeping devices safe.

When a phone is stolen, tracking apps like Find My iPhone can help locate it. But if the chance of retrieving the phone is slim, ensuring it’s backed up can prevent valuable data and images from being lost forever. Besides the physical security of a device, there are ways to enhance your mobile security.

Mobile provider spusu explores three areas to improve device security

Password protection

It goes without saying that password protecting your device is the first place to start. But what makes a good password? It’s no use choosing 1234, which is surprisingly one of the most used passwords for iPhones.

Considering the value mobiles hold to our life, care should be taken when choosing the password. That’s why you’ll often be encouraged to include ‘special characters’ when creating a password online. But if you have a numerical pin, consider reversing combinations or important dates, so they’re easy enough for you to remember, but difficult enough so that strangers can’t break them.

To further enhance lock screen security, many mobiles now include fingerprint and face ID recognition, which add extra layers of protection should someone steal it.

Software updates

Don’t ignore those reminders in your notification centre that pop up every few months saying that a software update is due. It’s like ignoring an MOT on a car.

Not only do software updates enhance a device’s performance, they are also crucial for maintaining its security. Software updates can ensure that bugs are addressed, and the operating system and apps are running efficiently, without compromising its security.

More specifically, software updates often include enhanced data protection measures for known security vulnerabilities, which helps protect the device from cyber threats. This could include implementing the latest security protocols and technologies. It’s important to conduct software updates when the device suggests, as out of date software can make the device vulnerable to hacking.

Network security

Lastly, the network a device is connected to can also have consequences to its security. When connecting to the internet, secure networks, such as Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) provide encryption and authentication mechanisms that help protect data transmitted between the device and the network. WPA3 is the third and current generation of WPA security to acknowledge. On the other hand, unsecured networks, such as public Wi-Fi hotspots can expose devices to potential security risks. So, next time you’re without mobile data connection, think again before connecting to a public Wi-Fi network.

Another way to determine a secure network is through the padlock symbol, indicating it’s a protected network. These usually require a password to connect. Insecure networks may lack this, making it easier for unauthorised users to intercept and access data, increasing the likelihood of a security breach.
Stolen phones are replaceable, but the memories and data they hold are not. Care should be taken at every level to ensure a device is secure, reducing its vulnerability to hacking. By implementing a difficult password and lock screen access, being timely with software updates and finally, only connecting to secure networks, can truly step up the security of mobile devices.

To discover spusu’s SIM-only plans, visit spusu.co.uk