Staying Safe on the Move: How to Protect Your Phone

If you’re travelling, then you’re probably carrying a pocket-sized computer with you, everywhere you go. The modern smartphone can make life much simpler when you’re on the move, but it’s also a potential source of vulnerability. This goes especially if you’re using public Wi-Fi, or commuting on a busy underground system.

You’ll need to be aware of a range of threats, like fake hotspots, data snooping, and permission creep. These things can, if they’re not appropriately managed, lead to your data being compromised.

The Benefits of Using a VPN on Your Phone

Sometimes, the best way to get around the risks is to install a VPN on your phone. This will ensure that all of the data you send is encrypted, even if the websites you’re visiting aren’t. These services will conceal your location and IP address, and prevent you from being tracked.

There are VPN services available on a range of platforms. A good VPN for iPhone is worth installing on an Apple device, but there are many alternatives available on Android, too.

Best Practices to Keep Your Personal Data Safe in the Digital World

Keeping yourself protected isn’t just a matter of installing the right applications. You’ll also need to adopt the right habits, and educate yourself on a few key principles. For example, you might devise stronger passwords, ideally with the help of a password manager. Multi-factor authentication, ideally with biometrics involved, can add an additional layer of security.

You’ll also want to frequently audit the permissions you’re granting to certain applications, and to ensure that all of the devices you’re using are updated regularly.

Emerging Mobile Threats & What They Mean for You

In recent months, we’ve seen a number of malicious VPN apps emerge on platforms like Google Play. The problem is so considerable, in fact, that Google has actually begun to issue verification badges to VPNs that have proven effective.

There’s also been a massive increase in the volume and sophistication of scam calls, which are now being assisted by artificial intelligence, and data breaches, which are now more frequent than ever. If you’re going to stay safe in an online environment that’s riddled with threats, you’ll need to be proactive when it comes to how you deal with them. Education is critical, but so too are your habits. You’ll need to not only understand what the appropriate course of action is, but also to take it when the moment arrives. A password manager is a great example of a digital tool that makes it easy to do the right thing. Install one, and you’ll be able to compose rock-solid passwords with just a single click.