Our phones and tablets contribute to many aspects of our every day life and also hold an abundance of our personal information.
With that in mind, keeping our tablets and phones secure is a must. Included below are some great and reliable methods to keep your electronics safe from dreaded viruses and identity theft.
Keep Your Phone and Tablet Safe From Viruses
Install reputable antivirus software for you electronics. Not only do you want to make sure that your software will function well, but you need to ensure you are not being scammed out of your money.
Some antivirus programs charge ridiculously high installation prices, while others are actually viruses themselves. Also, it is vital to make sure that the antivirus software you choose can update itself, as new types of viruses are created every day, and updated security patches are a must.
Do not click on ads that appear on your apps or when you are browsing the web.
It is also imperative to avoid opening emails from people you do not know.
Lastly, do not click on suspicious links from people on social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Myspace. These ads, emails, and links are sometimes viruses in disguise that can destroy your electronics or scam you out of money or personal information.
It’s helpful to be cognizant of various security tips specific to your phone or tablet. Check your service provider’s information regarding your specific electronic device.
Protect Yourself From Identity Theft Through Your Electronics
Just in case you accidentally leave your phone or tablet in a public place, it is essential to be prepared for potential identity thieves.
One way to prevent someone from hacking into your personal information is to avoid saving log in information on your phone, or your various social media outlets.
If you accidentally misplace your phone or tablet, be sure to call your service provider immediately. When you report your electronic device as missing or stolen, they can shut it down to keep anyone from viewing your private information.
As tempting as it is to keep your contacts online in case you misplace or accidentally break your phone, it is not a good idea to do so. There have been unfortunate instances where these websites have been hacked, and identity was stolen. Instead, write your contacts down on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe place
Consider keeping your phone and tablet protected with a pass code. This not only keeps friends and family members from snooping through your text messages, but it can prevent strangers from accessing your phone. Many phones can be locked and reopened when you type in a given amount of digits that you choose. Be sure to choose a password that you’ll remember, but make it strong enough so that others will not be able to figure it out.
Following these guidelines can go a long way towards keeping your electronics and your personal information safe.
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