In this day and age, almost everyone has a smartphone. If you fit into this category, you should understand that there are some risks involved. After all, you’re carrying an Internet-connected device with possibly your important data inside. If you do not protect yourself, there is a real possibility that your device is going to get hacked or stolen.
That would result in heartbreak and even more problems in the future. Within this guide, you’re going to learn how to protect your smartphone from various threats.
#1. Use A Passcode
First and foremost, you should make sure that nobody is able to access your phone without your permission. This is why you should set up and use a passcode.
When you turn on your phone, you’re going to be asked for a code. If you do not know it, you won’t be able to access your phone’s data, apps, and settings.
Using a passcode to protect your smartphone is always a good idea. This is going to protect you in the event that your phone gets lost or stolen.
#2. Delete Data
Do you want to make sure that your phone is protected from thieves? If so, you should really use the Delete Data After Incorrect Passcode Entries setting. This can be dangerous if you forget your own passcode though.
How does it work? Well, the phone will automatically delete all data if someone gets the passcode wrong ten times. This is great for protecting your phone from cellphone thieves. To set up this feature, you just need to turn on your iPhone and go to the phone’s settings. Then, you should tap on the Face ID and Passcode option.
If you’re asked to enter your passcode, you should do so. Then, you should turn the Erase Data option on.
#3. Find My iPhone Helps
Are you worried that you could lose your iPhone in the future? If so, you should definitely use this feature. Find My iPhone is going to make it much easier to track down your phone using GPS. This is a good thing if you lose your stolen or someone decides to steal it.
This feature is provided free of charge with your iCloud account and you’ll definitely want to use it to your advantage. Be sure that the feature is turned on.
You can also make your phone play a sound too. That will definitely help if the phone is lost. Specially, you can even use this feature to delete the data directly over the Internet.
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#4. Remove Credit Card Details
If you want to be very cautious, you should consider removing your credit card information from your Apple Pay account. Apple Pay is very convenient and you’re probably going to use it at some point or another.
Just remember that it could be dangerous if someone ends up stealing your phone. They could use your account to buy all kinds of stuff and this is something you’ll want to prevent.
With this in mind, you may want to go ahead and remove the details right now. This will ensure that a thief will not be able to get your credit card details from your phone. After all, you do not want someone using your credit card to play games online or watch movies with a premium subscription.
#5. Update
While you’re at it, you should think about updating your phone. Remember that there is a reason Apple releases updates. They often do so to make their software safer.
If a security flaw has been found, an update will be released to address it. With this in mind, you should keep your phone’s operating system updated. You should do the same for your other apps too. Keep them all updated to avoid problems.
#6. Keep It Close
Finally, you should make sure that you keep your smartphone close to you. When you’re out and about, you should stick it in your pocket or purse. Make sure it remains there too!
Keep an eye on your smartphone at all times. If you do not, there is a higher risk that you’re going to leave it behind somewhere and this is something that you want to avoid. Keep it in a safe place and be cautious around others.
