With the risks that even the average smartphone user faces whenever they use their portable device, it’s not possible to be complacent about data security.

Staying safe in this context is a multifaceted process, so here’s a look at a few of the things you have to do if you value your privacy.

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What to do if you think someone may have hacked your phone

First off, you need to prioritize dealing with a suspected breach on your mobile handset. Even if you’ve only got a small inkling that hackers have compromised it, you can stop them from spying on your device with a few quick fixes.

First, changing your passcode will reduce the chances of anyone who has direct physical access to it successfully interfering further.

Second, updating the software and installing any patches for apps will fix vulnerabilities that have been identified.

Finally, using security software to scan for malware and viruses is something you should be doing regularly anyway.

Why avoiding public WiFi networks is necessary

There are connectivity hotspots everywhere today, from hotels and restaurants to train stations and retail outlets. And while it may be convenient to piggyback on public WiFi services, this is not the most secure option available.

In fact issues such as network spoofing, packet sniffing and outright device hijacking which will allow them to get into someone’s Snapchat account and leak sensitive information or photos. These are all potential downsides of making use of this type of coverage.

Unless you know and trust the WiFi network in question and you follow security best practices, your best bet to protect your personal data is to stick with the 4G or 5G network that your carrier offers, where available.

Activate biometric scanning to unlock your phone

The majority of modern mobiles come with biometric security features, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition and even voice recognition. If you aren’t using these, then you’re really missing out on that all-important extra layer of security.

Passcodes can be guessed, passwords can be cracked, but your unique biometric indicators are much harder to spoof or circumvent, if not completely impossible.

Of course if you don’t have any kind of security-controlled lock screen activated on your handset, this must be done immediately.

Use the cloud to store and backup important files

If you only have a single copy of a file that’s valuable to you, and it’s stored on your cell, then should that device get stolen or go missing, the precious info will be lost for good. Even if it’s not possible for a third party to break in and steal the content, you’ll be left bereft.

The solution is to turn on automatic backup so that any file you create, whether it’s a document, a photo or a video, will be sent to the cloud and thus preserved remotely.

Be aware that this will eat into your data allowance, especially if you often capture media files on your phone. However, it’s worth it to get the peace of mind that comes with having a backup solution active.

Don’t leave sensitive data on your device in the first place

No matter how many precautions you take and how tightly you control the security of your phone, at the end of the day it’s impossible to completely rule out the likelihood of it being compromised in some way at some point.

For this reason it’s wise to be discerning in the type of data that you keep on this device; if you can store sensitive files elsewhere without this being too inconvenient, it’s worthwhile.

Final thoughts

There’s still time to improve your mobile security habits, even if they have been imperfect in the past. The sooner you do so, the better protected you’ll be from common threats.

This article was provided by José Luis Martín Cara