Mobile Security: Tips on How to Stay Secure in a Post-COVID World and the Future of Smartphones

July 12, 2021

Mobile Security: Many of us were compelled to immediately adjust to the new normal as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak; for example, in 2020, they admitted that they turned to digital activities like online banking, social networking, and online shopping out of convenience. Consumers’ dependency on technology, according to research, is here to stay.

In comparison to when COVID-19 began, It was discovered that 44 percent of worldwide consumers now purchase more using their cellphones. While having the entire world at your fingertips is convenient, how does this shift in digital lifestyle expose users to cyber dangers, particularly mobile device attacks?

It’s no secret that cybercriminals like to tailor their attacks to the most recent technological advances. As you consider how increasing connection has impacted your daily life, consider what might be lurking in the shadows while utilizing your smartphones.

With more of us dependent on our smartphones, hackers have a lot of options. This raises the question of what mobile security looks like in the aftermath of a pandemic.

Tips for Staying Secure in the Future of Mobile Security

We understand that the way you and your family use the internet has changed.

We want to give you the tools you need to protect your online security in today’s hyper-connected world. Follow these security recommendations to help you feel more secure when using your mobile devices.

Make multi-factor authentication a part of your security

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra degree of protection by requiring various forms of verification, such as sending or receiving a security code through text or email. Multi-factor authentication is available on most popular websites, including Gmail, Dropbox, Linked In, and Facebook, and it takes only a few minutes to set it up. This lowers the chances of successful impersonation by hackers who have gained access to your information.

Use a password, PIN, or facial recognition to secure your mobile devices

Always update the default credentials when setting up a new device or online account to a strong and unique password or passphrase. If one of your online accounts becomes exposed, using various passwords or passes for each of your accounts helps secure the majority of your data. Subscribe to a password management program that will remember your passwords for you if you’re worried about forgetting them.

Ensure to use a security code or face recognition to securely lock your smartphones. In the event that your phone or laptop is lost, this stops a criminal from unlocking it and exposing your personally-identifying information.

Connect to a virtual private network (VPN)

Scammers often stay hidden on public Wi-Fi networks, waiting for unwary people looking for free internet on their smartphones. Use a virtual private network (VPN) if you need to perform transactions on a public Wi-Fi network.

Take advantage of a mobile security solution

Prepare your mobile devices to face any threat that may arise. To do so, use a mobile security solution like McAfee Mobile Security to add an extra layer of protection to these devices.

Avoid SMiShing should be avoided.

Text messages claiming to be from companies with strange requests or information that seems too good to be true should be avoided. To verify your account status or contact customer support, go straight to the organization’s website rather than clicking on a link within the text.

To conceal their identities, some thieves use internet services to send SMS. Use your cell device’s feature to block messages sent from the internet or unknown people to counteract this.

On an Android device, for example, you may turn off all potential spam messages from the Messages app by going to Options, clicking on “Spam protection,” and turning on the “Enable spam protection” switch.