6 Tips To Protect Yourself While Using Smartphone Apps

Nowadays, we reply on the convenience of our smartphones, to manage a multitude of daily tasks and to access entertainment. Our phones allow us to get the latest news, check the weather forecast, check our account balances, save myriad account passwords, send and receive money, as well as connect with friends and family. With this level of smartphone dependence, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect our private information. Here are 6 tips to protect yourself while using smartphone apps:

1. Keep Apps and Operating Systems Up-to-Date

Make it a habit and set aside time to make sure your apps and operating systems are up-to-date. By doing this, you are staying one-step ahead of hackers. Double check your phone settings, many will allow you to enable automatic updates.

2. Avoid Connecting to Public WIFI

If you must connect to Public WIFI, make sure you’re not logging into sites or apps requiring entry of personal or financial information, such as account numbers or passwords. Be extra cautious about pop-ups and requests to download items onto your device. If possible, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

3. Research the App

Before downloading an app, research the company to validate if they are legitimate. By doing your research, you can see if there have been recent data breaches.

4. Use a Password Manager Tool

Password manager apps can help you generate strong passwords, as well as help keep all of your passwords protected. Remember, a strong password should include a random string of numbers, letters and special characters.

5. Double Check App Permissions

We are all guilty of quickly accepting all permissions requested by apps. Take a second to think about what they’re requesting and if it makes sense. You can also go back to existing apps and reevaluate the permissions you have already granted.

6. Only Use Reliable App Stores

It’s highly recommend that you use established app stores like Google and Apple when downloading apps. Apps on these stores are vetted and meet the standard quality for data protection. If you’re asked to download an app from a text message be very cautious. This is a method hackers will use to place malware on your phone.

While businesses do their best to protect consumers, you should do your part to protect yourself from hackers and potential online intruders. By following these tips, you can confidently take advantage of all the benefits a smartphone has to offer.