In a world that is increasingly device driven and internet-based, it is important more important than ever to protect yourself and your information. You’ve probably been warned about basic precautions to take, but you can always stand to be more protected. Odds are that your friends and contacts, information about your job and home, your credit card information, and your tax information are all available through your electronic and mobile devices. If you think your information is vulnerable through your devices, keep reading to learn a few additional steps to prevent strangers from accessing your information by stepping up the security.
Encrypt Important Files
It may sound like something out of James Bond, but it’s actually not that difficult to encrypt files and devices. This process stores your files in a jumbled and unreadable form that is then translated when you use the password. You can encrypt all the files on your phone through the security settings or particular files on your computer by looking at the advanced properties of the file. You may want to encrypt your phone and important files on your laptop like tax or bank account information so that those with malicious intent can’t access your information.
Use Passwords
You can increase security right away by installing a password on all of your devices. While it may be an extra hassle to enter a code every time you want to use your phone, computer, or tablet, it can prevent casual onlookers or thieves from immediately accessing your information. Pin numbers and passwords are more secure than a swipe pattern on your phone, so if the phone is stolen, you won’t additionally have your personal information or identity stolen as well.
Use GPS Tracking
There are a number of free apps and programs that will track your mobile device through GPS. This will allow you to recover it if it gets lost or stolen. Some security apps for mobile devices will even send out a GPS signal if the phone is about to lose battery power and will automatically take the picture of anyone who fails to enter the correct password and email it to you. An app this advanced might seem excessive, but you’ll be glad you have it when someone walks off with your phone and tries to access your privileged information.
Beware of Public WiFi
Many people aren’t aware of this, but it is very easy for a third party to see information you send over public WiFi. Some identity thieves will even set up a public WiFi network in a coffee shop or store specifically to steal the information communicated over it. Don’t set your devices to automatically connect to WiFi and don’t check personal information like bank or stock accounts over unsecured WiFi.
Your device might not always warn you when you are using an unsecure network, so always be aware of your device usage when using public WiFi. Obviously, it is important to password secure your own WiFi at home so you can access private and important information safely. While it may seem like a hassle, a small effort now can mean a lot of stress saved in the future. Look for apps and features that will allow you to increase the privacy of all your devices so they can’t be easily accessed.
You’ll be glad you took a few extra steps of precaution when your information remains private and protected from thieves and dishonest people. The smartphone experts of Apple Shark provided the information for this article. They offer an Apple iPhone trade in program for users with broken or outdated iPhones.
