Long gone are the days when phones were simple devices used to make calls. Today our phones are advanced, handheld supercomputers that can do everything from pay a bill to order lunch for delivery to edit videos and more.
But with more capabilities come more risks. Because our phones are computers and connected to the Internet, they are susceptible to the same security risks that any other computer would be. Worse yet, personal devices often contain private information like bank account numbers, which, if accessed by the wrong person, could result in dangerous and expensive problems like drained bank accounts, identity theft and so on. Still, despite the obvious risks, most people do not treat phones like the security threats they pose, making them easy, no-brainer targets for cybercriminals.
To give perspective on how severe the problem is, Apple recently shared a study from MIT revealing a shocking 2.6 billion personal records were breached in 2021 and 2022 and were expected to increase in 2023. According to Kaspersky Security Network, in Q3 of 2023 alone, a total of 8,346,169 mobile malware, adware and riskware attacks were blocked, with adware being the most common tactic at 52% of total detected threats.
The risks are even more serious for business owners. Does your organization have a mobile policy for employees? Are employees accessing sensitive work documents or accounts using unprotected devices? If you’re not sure, you need your IT department to look into this immediately. It only takes one entry point for a hacker to break into your network.
There are a few ways to protect your devices now. Both Apple and Android have developed powerful security systems with advanced protective features you can start utilizing today.
Apple:
End-to-end encryption has been the default for Apple iMessage, iCloud Keychain, and Health data, but with a recent update, Apple rolled out Advanced Data Protection (ADP). This feature is an optional setting that offers Apple's highest level of cloud data security by encrypting messages in iCloud, iCloud Backup, Notes, Photos, Safari bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts and more.
Activating this setting protects your data in the event of a cloud-based data breach by only allowing trusted devices added by you to decrypt the information. Not even Apple can access your data.
Here’s how to enable Apple’s Advanced Data Protection Setting:
NOTE: If you don’t have a recovery contact or key set up, you’ll be prompted to do that first.
NOTE: You may be asked to update other devices signed into your iCloud account before enabling end-to-end encryption (E2E).
You can also remove devices with old software to continue the process.
If your device is new, for security reasons, Apple might make you wait to enable the feature. If that’s the case, that timeframe will show on your screen during setup.
Android:
While Apple is known for having a robust security system that reduces vulnerabilities and protects users’ data, Android’s security features are not far behind. Google Play Protect analyzes every app before it’s available for download, and any new apps where a security risk is detected are unable to be accessed. The software also runs daily scans to help identify and disable malware and other harmful applications installed on your phone to protect your data.
Furthermore, Android backups are regularly uploaded to Google servers and encrypted with your Google Account password for security purposes.
How to keep data secure if you’re using an Android:
If you’re using Google One, you can set up automatic backups on your Android device to ensure that if disaster strikes, your data is securely stored in the cloud:
NOTE: If you get a message to install an app, update an app or change your settings, follow the onscreen steps. Then, go back to the Google One app to finish.
NOTE: Google One backups may take up to 24 hours to complete.
About the author
I consider myself a very eclectic driven individual. I am an entrepreneur at heart and am addicted to self improvement. I enjoy creating my own objectives and path in life rather that be within my company or with my family. I live by the philosophy to always strive to be the best version of yourself. I love people and therefore I love the service industry. Success in life and in business is what I look for in every day!
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