How do I keep my phone secure?

Your phone contains a lot of valuable personal information and keeping it safe is crucial. If you’re thinking “I need to know how to keep my phone secure,” you’ve come to the right place. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your phone, and all the info in it, secure. 

Make sure you have a password

Setting a strong password, PIN, Face ID or better yet, a combination of all three, can easily prevent unauthorized access to your phone. This feature is usually found in your phone’s Settings, under Lock Screen or Face ID & Passcode. Just make sure you get creative with your password instead of using something easy to guess, like “1234”.

Beware of suspicious links

Never click on any suspicious links. Hackers will attempt to trick you into giving up personal information, so being mindful about not sharing certain details can protect you from smishing, phishing and other cyber threats. Do not open links in texts, emails or email attachments unless you are absolutely, 100% certain they’re safe and from a trusted source. 

Update your phone and backup your data

It’s important to regularly update your phone’s software as an extra layer of protection for your personal information. Regularly backing up your phone’s data is also important, in case the phone is ever lost or misplaced. You can check out our other article about how to back up your phone for more information.

Set up two-factor authentication

Many apps offer two-factor authentication (the Mint Mobile app being one of them), which allows a user to verify their identity using two methods. For example, approving a login via a third-party multi-authentication app or verifying a code sent via text message. Setting up two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security beyond just a strong password.

Be extra cautious

In general, it’s important to be aware of how you use your phone and what kind of information goes in & out of it. Only download apps from the official app store on your phone and be sure to review their permissions carefully. Not all apps need to track your location or have access to your photos. Avoid accessing sensitive information like banking details when connected to public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi can come in handy, but just remember they tend to be less secure. You can also subscribe to a VPN for enhanced privacy and a more secure online experience.