Your phone knows everything about you, but hackers want to know too! Here are five tips to keep you safe from thieves and criminals who want to steal your data.
Keep Up to Date on Software Updates
Hackers are constantly coming up with new ways to break into your phone. That’s why every phone OS developer will periodically release security updates to make sure none of them actually break into your Twitter drafts folder. Now no one will see that highdea about how “if your shirt isn’t tucked into your pants, your pants are tucked into your shirt.” Thanks, Google!
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Criminals can set up Wi-Fi networks that look exactly like the ones you find at restaurants or airports. You definitely don’t want them sniffing your doctor’s appointment e-mails, your bank notifications, or the onslaught of CVS Personalized Deals you’re too lazy to unsubscribe from. You have 9,999+ unread e-mails, and it’ll stay that way!
Use a Password Manager
Did you know one of the easiest entry points for criminals is a weak password, just like your weak workout regimen? Go ahead and install a password manager; these will create strong passwords and save them automatically. Now you’ll have no shame if anyone breaks into your Fitness app and sees your mile split times. You’ll be safe when your passwords are $w013!
Be Mindful of Apps You Download
Whenever you install an app, you grant a certain set of permissions, such as accessing your location or file structure. You certainly don’t want them reaching into your media folder to find your trove of shitty concert videos. Blurry, inaudible, and inferior in every way to the dozens of professional cameras at the event, you weren’t even going to watch them anyway, and now hackers won’t either!
Be Prepared To Wipe Your Lost Phone
Losing your phone is the worst case scenario, so set up the ability to wipe your phone before it actually happens. And when it does, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Yes, we all want to preserve that 200 message drunk text exchange with that stranger you met on Tinder, in the event that the heated Fireball-fueled blowup at the very end doesn’t actually mean things are over, and you can still make things work if you just drunk text them one more time. Just let it go! You certainly don’t want criminals continuing the conversation without you, right?
Just follow our tips, and you’ll be safe from hackers! The trove of content we store on our smartphones is a reflection of what we value, what we believe in, and who we are as a person. And we can’t let that fall into the wrong hands!
