Smartphones have become essential in our personal and work lives. The advantages they provide go beyond improved access to communication. They are also crucial in businesses, healthcare, education, etc.
As more people use mobile devices, users become more at risk of phishing attacks and other security threats. Since they hold sensitive information, including personal data and financial details, they attract cybercriminals.
That’s why making them safer is important. This article offers an in-depth guide to phishing and smartphone security. Learn more about the security threats smartphone users encounter and practical steps to protect yourself.
Phishing Attacks and Other Smartphone Security Threats
Smartphone users are vulnerable to phishing attacks. Many believe their personal data is less likely to be compromised or infected using mobile devices. However, switching between apps and reading email messages right away makes your device more susceptible to these threats.
Phishing scams deceive users into sharing personal information or downloading malware onto their mobile devices. They can take different forms, such as:
- Mobile apps that imitate services from legitimate vendors
- Deceptive emails that appear to be from reliable sources or senders
- Voice messages or calls impersonating a colleague or service provider
Hackers use a variety of tactics to make their phishing attacks more effective on smartphones. Other security threats that you may encounter on your mobile devices also include:
- Data leaks, which happen when information is transmitted to an external recipient without authorization
- Network spoofing, which occurs when hackers create fake access points or connections that appear to be WiFi networks.
- WiFi without protection can put your social media accounts, online bank accounts, and other confidential information at risk
- Spyware that secretly tracks your online activity without you knowing to steal personal data and other credentials
Data Protection Laws and Their Implications for Smartphone Users
Considering the threat of cyberattacks, digital ID systems must securely store and process personal data against unauthorized or unlawful processing or loss.
Numerous countries have implemented general data protection and privacy laws in government or private-sector activities involving the handling of personal data.
Such laws protect one’s personal information from misuse, ensuring transparency in its collection, processing, and storage. But they differ across countries and even by state.
General Data Protection Regulation
In particular, Europe has the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It’s a law that secures the privacy of all kinds of data, making sure all individuals are safe. It requires companies to ask for express consent to share data. It also grants individuals the right to access, delete, or manage the use of such data.
Regarding mobile apps, companies have the same responsibility of collecting only the required information transparently and responsibly. Suppose a data breach happens. Organizations have to inform all affected parties within 72 hours of the incident.
Not following the GDPR can result in huge fines. For severe violations, fines can amount to €20 million or four percent of the preceding fiscal year’s global turnover, whichever is more significant. But even less severe non-compliance can be as substantial as €10 million or two percent of an organization’s worldwide turnover in the previous fiscal year.
California Consumer Privacy Act
Meanwhile, the US doesn’t have strong laws covering all types of data and companies. Without a national privacy law, some ad-tech companies and data brokers operate without rules or telling people what they’re doing. This makes it hard for phone users to know where their data goes or how it’s used.
That poses significant challenges for mobile phone users to monitor where their data goes or how it’s utilized. Likewise, they don’t know what measures to implement to prevent data from being shared in the first place.
In the past few years, state laws have been developed to provide stronger protections for personal information for users within those jurisdictions. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a state law similar to the GDPR in Europe.
The law grants people in California more say in how businesses use their personal information. This law applies to mobile apps that gather personal information from California residents. Suppose businesses don’t follow these rules. The fines can be as high as $7,500 for every intentional violation and $2,500 for an unintentional one.
Practical Steps You Can Take To Enhance Smartphone Security
More and more people use smartphones for communication, money transactions, and keeping important data. For this reason, companies must have robust security measures. They must do their part to secure the information you share with them online.
However, you’re also responsible for keeping your phone secure. Here are some practical steps to keep your cellular device safer:
Use a strong password, PIN, or biometrics
Mobile phones are now equipped with lock screens. You can protect them using PINs or pattern locks. This form of authentication can help protect your cellular device against unauthorized access or even more advanced attacks.
Instead of simply using a pattern lock, use a strong password or PIN. Avoid using combinations or personal information that are simple to guess, such as dates of birth. You must also take advantage of biometric options as an additional layer of protection.
Biometrics uses your biological characteristics to confirm your identity and unlock your mobile phone. Most smartphone models support biometric methods. These include fingerprint, face, or voice authentication.
Still, biometric authentication isn’t foolproof. It may also fail or not be available on certain occasions. You should consider using a password, PIN, or pattern as a backup to unlock your mobile device. However, ensure that you change them regularly.
Download apps and updates from reliable sources
When downloading applications or updates, only do so from official app vendors like Google Play or the Apple Store. While they’re generally reliable sources, some legitimate apps may still collect data you prefer to keep private.
That’s why it’s vital to understand where your data goes. Be cautious when giving permissions for your apps so they don’t collect the data you want to keep private.
Additionally, be cautious about sources from third-party apps containing malicious software. It’s a typical tactic for cybercriminals to trick users into installing fake mobile apps. Always use a trusted vendor and your judgment when downloading apps on your device.
Perform regular software updates
When your phone gets updates, it might fix important security issues in the system or other software to keep it safe. Note that hackers are always looking for mistakes or problems in the software of your mobile device to get in without permission.
You must perform regular software updates to keep your cellular device secure from malware and other online threats. It helps you stay proactive and ensure your smartphone has the latest security measures.
Exercise caution when sharing your information online
You can be at significant risk for identity theft and other security threats if you share your address, birthday, telephone number, and other personal data without caution.
Only share your primary email address with individuals you know. If you have social media accounts, adjust their privacy settings to control the amount and type of information you prefer to share online.
In Summary
You can expose your personal information to security vulnerabilities as you rely more on smartphones daily. It’s crucial to remain alert and do what you can to protect your device and yourself from these dangers.
Securing your smartphone goes beyond protecting it from physical theft. You must foster safe internet habits and add advanced safety features like robust authentication to strengthen your smartphone’s data security. Thankfully, new technologies now give you more control over your device and the personal information you share.
