8 easy ways to protect your smartphone

Online threats are on the rise, and they could be infecting the smartphone in your pocket.

Data breaches surged by 23 percent last year, and with nearly a million new pieces of malware (“malicious software”) created per day, according to the 2015 Internet Security Threat Report from Symantec.

Another startling fact: almost 1 in 5 Android apps available last year were actually malware in disguise, says the same report.

Regardless of which smartphone you use, it’s critical to prevent your personal (and professional) information from falling into the wrong hands. Even if your device isn’t lost or stolen, your data could still be accessible by a remote thief if not properly protected.

5 great uses for your old smartphone, tablet

These following eight tips should help better secure your smartphone.

1. Use a passcode. All smartphones let you lock it with a code – such as a 4-digit PIN – so that no one can access your information should your device be lost or stolen. Yes, it can be a pain to type in the PIN every time you use your phone, but you’ll be thankful a PIN is in place if you lose your device. Some phones offer a password, pattern lock or fingerprint login. Avoid a facial recognition option, if it exists, as it isn’t as secure as the others.
2. Be app-savvy. Only download apps from trusted, reputable sources. Generally speaking, there isn’t anything to worry about when you browse and buy apps from the various online application stores – but there have been instances of malware that attempts to lift your information off the phone, especially on the Google Play store for Android devices. Therefore, read up on the developer you’re downloading from first, as well as comments from previous users.
3. Don’t be gullible. Delete suspicious text messages from people you don’t know, don’t click on any suspicious web links or call any unknown phone numbers. Scammers and spammers are now targeting smartphone users, be it through text messages, emails or requests to call a number that appears to be from a legitimate source – but it’s not. On a related note, frequently examine your cellphone, bank and credit card statements for suspicious charges and report them immediately.
4. Buy a case. It doesn’t take much to drop a smartphone, so be sure to invest in a fitted case that can protect the device. While some can be expensive, cases for popular smartphones can be found at your local dollar store, believe it or not (and tablets, too). If you’re really the klutzy type, or perhaps work in the field, you might consider a more rugged case that completely safeguards the phone from harm, even water, such as the Otterbox products. Thin and transparent shields can also be placed on the phone’s screen.
5. Set up remote wipe. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can remotely lock it, display a message (“Please call me for a reward”), wipe the data clean and/or track it on an online map. But don’t try to retrieve a stolen smartphone on your own – work with the authorities to recover it by bringing them the proof of its whereabouts. Free programs include Find My iPhone (iPhone), Android Device Manager (Android), BlackBerry Protect (BlackBerry) and Find My Phone (Windows Phone) – but all four require you to set it up ahead of time.
6. Backup is a must. Always back up your phone’s information – in case it becomes lost, stolen or damaged. The easiest way to do it is to connect your phone to your computer via the USB cable in the box and follow the onscreen prompts to make a backup to the hard drive (and charges up the phone at the same time). If nothing happens when you connect the phone, there are free apps that will make a backup copy of the phone’s info for you. Some apps back up data onto a removable microSD memory card or cloud service.
7. Consider antivirus. Given how common malware is found on mobile devices these days –– especially on Android devices – it might pay to protect your data with security software. Personally, I use Symantec’s Norton with Backup (see tip no. 6), but there are many to choose from. Not only does this software protect your device from viruses and other malware but good ones also lock down your privacy settings and scans Google Play app downloads and memory cards for threats.
8. Use two-step verification. Many services offer a smart security feature called “two-step verification” or “two-step authentication,” which adds extra protection to your favorite sites – such as Gmail, Dropbox, Facebook and OneDrive – as it not only requires your password to log in, but also a randomly-generated security code sent to your mobile phone (via text message or an app). Only once you type in the code and your password will you gain access to your files.

Which smartphone is the toughest?