Securing Android and iPhone is crucial as they contain our digital lives – emails, bank accounts, personal photos, and conversations. A breach could expose sensitive information like passwords, contacts, and location data. With security threats such as malware, spyware, and hackers rising, it’s essential to implement robust measures. That means enabling encryption, using strong passwords, setting up remote locate and wipe capabilities, utilizing biometrics, employing VPNs, and ensuring automatic software updates. Additionally, backing up data both locally and to the cloud is crucial. Avoid sideloading apps and files from unverified sources to minimize risks. You can effectively protect your mobile OS against most cyber attacks by staying vigilant and leveraging the right tools. In this blog, I’ll delve into locking your phone, encrypting data, locating lost devices, updating software, enabling firewalls, using biometrics, backing up files, and providing comprehensive guidance for Android and iPhone users.
How to Secure My Android Phone and iPhone?
Following are the steps you must take to keep your Android phone and iPhone secure:
Step 1: Make sure your Android and iPhone are locked
The initial step to secure your smartphone is to set up a robust passcode. This measure prevents unauthorized access in case of loss or theft of your device.
Set a Strong Password
Security experts advise utilizing a numeric password of six digits or more or a longer alphanumeric code to enhance device security. It’s crucial to avoid using repeating or sequential numbers and personal information. Consider changing the password approximately every 90 days for added security.
For Android devices, navigate to Settings > Security > Screen Lock to select a PIN, password, or pattern.
Access Settings > Face ID & Passcode for iPhones to establish a numeric or custom code.
Additionally, you can opt for fingerprint/biometric or facial recognition for convenient unlocking, but always ensure you have a backup passcode.
Auto-Lock After Inactivity
Set your phone to automatically lock after 1-5 minutes of inactivity to enhance security, especially when left unattended.
For Android, access Settings > Security > Automatically Lock.
For iPhone, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
You may enable fingerprints/facial recognition to bypass the lock screen for convenience, but be aware that this compromises security if your biometrics are compromised.
Remote Lock or Factory Reset
Set your phone to automatically lock after 1-5 minutes of inactivity to enhance security, especially when left unattended.
For Android, access Settings > Security > Automatically Lock.
For iPhone, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock.
You may enable fingerprints/facial recognition to bypass the lock screen for convenience, but be aware that this compromises security if your biometrics are compromised.
Step 2: Encrypt Your Smartphone Data
Encryption transforms data into a coded format, ensuring only authorized individuals can decipher it. Encryption prevents potential criminals from extracting information even if they manage to access your phone.
Encrypt Internal Storage
By default, iPhone devices utilize hardware encryption to scramble data effectively.
For Android versions 8.0 and above, access Settings > Security > Encryption to encode data stored internally on the phone.
For earlier iterations of Android, you might have to enable full-disk encryption manually via recovery mode.
Secure External SD Cards
If your Android device includes an SD card, it’s advisable to encrypt it as well:
Navigate to Settings > Security > Encrypt External Storage, then tap Encrypt SD Card. This action safeguards any sensitive files stored on removable media.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts all network traffic on your smartphone, preventing cybercriminals from intercepting transmitted data.
Leading VPN services such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN offer robust security features for a modest monthly fee, providing additional protection for your mobile connections.
Step 3: Install the latest iOS and Android software
Hackers often exploit vulnerabilities found in outdated operating system (OS) versions. Therefore, regular software updates are crucial for patching security flaws and protecting your device.
Enable Auto-Updates
Make it a routine to approve updates promptly upon receiving notifications. You can enable auto-updates on both Android and iPhone:
For Android: Navigate to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update > Auto Update.
For iPhone: Access Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates.
This ensures that crucial patches are installed overnight while your phone is charging.
Avoid Outdated Operating Systems
Ensure you’re using the latest OS version compatible with your device, as Android and Apple discontinue support for older mobile OS editions after approximately five years. Continuing to use outdated versions poses a significant security risk.
For Android devices, prioritize versions 8.0 Oreo or newer. For iPhones, target iOS 13 and above—older editions like Android 6.0 Marshmallow or iOS 10 need the latest security defenses.
If your phone cannot upgrade to a recent OS, consider investing in a newer device to maintain sufficient security.
Conclusion
Given that our phones store sensitive information, such as financial data and personal conversations, it’s paramount to prioritize their security. Ensure to activate passcodes, encryption, backups, VPNs, and auto-updates on Android and iPhone devices. Avoid using outdated OS versions that may lack essential protections. By staying vigilant against malware and hacking attempts, you can effectively fortify your smartphone and safeguard its valuable data against most cyberattacks.