The conditions of the 21st century involve frequent use of information technology and gadgets, with mobile phones being one of the most common daily companions for everyone. However, as the use of smart devices increases, so does the risk of data leakage and loss. Therefore, every user should ensure an appropriate level of security (cybersecurity) for their digital devices.

Levels of Smartphone Security

There are two main levels of smartphone protection:

– physical protection: This includes basic care guidelines for mobile phones. For example, don’t leave your phone unattended, avoid entering access codes in view of others, and avoid carrying it in your back pocket. Someone could “break into” your device and use it for personal gain—like draining bank accounts linked to the phone, accessing sensitive data, or deleting important information. In the worst case, the phone could be stolen.

– internal protection: This covers the operating system, programs, and other applications. There are many ways to protect a smartphone on an “internal” level. The most important are keeping your operating system up to date, using multi-factor authentication, and setting strong passwords.

How to Protect Your Smartphone? Basic Cybersecurity Rules

1. Timely Operating System Updates

Smartphone manufacturers continuously update software. These updates often fix vulnerabilities in operating systems, prevent data leakage, and block unauthorized access. 90% of all operating system updates include security improvements, as companies constantly monitor and find more vulnerabilities within their own OS. As a result, security is increasingly prioritized in system updates.

Additionally, some companies focus specifically on smartphone security. For instance, Samsung has released Knox, a service that elevates Samsung smartphone security to a new level of data protection. Knox is a mobile security platform designed for companies with advanced corporate mobility systems. It offers:

– remote configuration of a large number of Samsung devices to tailor them to specific needs;
– simultaneous addition of thousands of devices to Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) without manually registering each device;
– easy management of multiple devices through a cloud-based EMM solution;
– comprehensive security and management features for corporate devices;
– management of OS versions on Samsung mobile devices for maximum cost-effectiveness.

2. Using Strong Passwords and Password Managers

First and foremost, avoid using the same passwords for different services. It’s like having one key for your car, house, and safe. If a password is cracked or guessed, all services where that combination is used will be compromised.

It’s recommended to choose truly strong passwords that consist of a combination of different characters and numbers. Details like your mother’s maiden name or pet’s name can be found quickly, often through analyzing your social media profile (social engineering). Therefore, try not to use standard security questions provided by the service; instead, be original. Choose passwords with at least eight characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, special symbols, and numbers.

Additionally, we recommend using a password manager. These are specialized services and apps that store your logins and passwords in encrypted form, as it’s nearly impossible to remember all complex passwords. Access to such password managers typically has the highest level of security, utilizing passwords, SMS codes, and fingerprints, fully aligning with multi-factor authentication rules.

3. Using Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enable two-factor (or multi-factor) authentication wherever possible. Two-factor authentication means protection with two passwords from different access channels. For instance, after entering your username and password, you receive a protective code via SMS on your smartphone. In this case, even if someone knows your username and password, they still can’t access your smartphone to receive the SMS code, and thus won’t be able to log into your account. Sometimes messaging apps (like Viber, Telegram, etc.) are used for access codes instead of SMS messages. Additionally, cybersecurity experts recommend securing your personal mobile number by linking it to your data with your mobile carrier.

4. Using Biometric Security

It is recommended to add an extra layer of security using fingerprint or facial recognition (FaceID for iOS). To lock access to your phone, it’s not always necessary to rely on passwords or PIN codes, as they may not always provide adequate data protection. Biometric identification is much safer and more convenient, and today almost all smartphones offer this option.

5. Installing Apps Only from Official Sources

Avoid downloading and installing apps from unknown sources. Often, the operating systems installed on smartphones prevent or warn against installing such software. Operating systems usually restrict users to apps from the official stores—App Store, Google Play, Galaxy Store, AppGallery, etc. Downloading apps from official manufacturer websites is also secure. 

When installing apps from other sources (such as pirated versions of paid apps), you risk installing viruses or other harmful data, especially on Android OS devices. 

Even when downloading from an official store, review all available information, such as developer details, permissions required, and user reviews.

6. Using Only Known, Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Open, public Wi-Fi networks are unsafe, as they can allow unauthorized access to your smartphone or other devices. Hackers often create access points with names identical to those offered by establishments. In this way, they can access your email, social media accounts, personal data, and even bank cards. When connecting to such networks, if prompted to click a link or button, it could be a sign of fraud. We recommend using mobile data in public places or, at the very least, using a VPN.

7. Setting Up Additional Protection

For added protection, consider using antivirus software. This is often pre-installed on smartphones. However, avoid installing multiple antivirus apps, as they may conflict with each other and cause problems with the device. It’s also recommended to enable all available “protections” offered by the smartphone's operating system and apps, such as in the “Privacy” section. Store data in a secure, isolated cloud, which provides extra data protection even in case of theft or loss of your smartphone.

8. Keeping Geolocation On

It's advisable not to disable geolocation, though many users prefer to hide it. Additional services make it possible to locate your phone at any time, even if it’s been stolen or lost. For example, Google has developed the Find My Phone service for Android, which allows you to activate a ringtone (even if the device is on silent), lock the device, and delete all personal data on it. In other words, the phone’s owner can remotely control it, provided there’s an internet connection.

In conclusion, there are many ways to protect your smartphone. Following these measures and not leaving your device unattended will ensure a positive experience with your gadgets.