Security tips for smartphone owners – PC-WORLD

Before we present the five types of smartphone owners in terms of security, there are a few reading recommendations on the subject of smartphone security:

Police warn: This is how criminals steal your Whatsapp account & this is how you defend yourself

BKA can eavesdrop on Whatsapp chats – this trick is used

Android: How to remove a virus from your mobile devices

Security: Cell phone numbers from Whatsapp users can end up in Google

Too uncertain: the EU Commission advises against using WhatsApp

Bundeswehr: Whatsapp is forbidden – these are the alternatives

Whatsapp replacement: The Bundeswehr uses this secure messenger

And now to the five types of smartphone owners from a security perspective:

1. The ignorant:

You’re using a smartphone because your boss or your kids urged you to, but you’d be better off with a traditional cell phone: also known as a feature phone. HMD Global, for example, produces some exciting feature phones aka cell phones under the well-known brand name Nokia.

Flip cell phone purchase advice: Cool, safe, cheap & robust second phone

But now you have a smartphone and you don’t get along with its functions and therefore only use the cell phone for calls, text messages and e-mails. And finally, don’t download any apps unless they’re walking you through the process.

2. The minimalist:

You are happy with your smartphone and only use it for basic things. They download apps from time to time, but only the most necessary ones, such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype and Facebook. You keep your smartphone until it breaks and the minimalist has no interest in the latest models – even if the manufacturer no longer provides security updates for your smartphone.

Safety tip for these two groups

: “Both the ignorant and the minimalist should be extra careful when clicking on links in emails and SMS messages as they are not trained to spot malware,” believes Janus R. Nielsen, security researcher at MYSecurityCenter . “Often it’s these two groups that don’t have passwords on their phones because they think it’s too complicated and they’re more vulnerable if the phone is lost.

3. The Enthusiast:

You find life difficult without your smartphone. All your photos are on it, most of your communications are on your smartphone, and you’re curious to download apps to get even more out of your smartphone. You play various interactive games with people around you and transfer money using mobile banking.

Safety tip:

Janus R. Nielsen advises this user group: “You need to be extra careful when downloading apps – always read the reviews before installing. If there are no comments or stars, do further research of the app on the web. At last, guide no mobile banking in public places with WLAN.”

4. The Extensive:

Your smartphone is an extension of your arm, both at home and at work. They use it for everything and are always exploring new features and apps to use it even more efficiently. They have extensive technical knowledge of how your phone works and demand a high level of security.

Safety tip:

“These types of smartphone users install antivirus on their devices so they can detect, block and secure if something happens. Of course, these people are also exposed to potential WiFi hotspot risks, attacks on public networks are increasingly common an attacker can disrupt and manipulate the transmission of information from your mobile phone to the network.

5. The Compulsive:

You often replace your smartphone with a new one to keep up with the latest technology. To get the most out of your phone, clear some of the phone’s default programs to organize it the way you want.

Safety tip:

“Users are unaware that hackers open the phone’s SSH port, which means anyone can potentially connect to your smartphone and steal or infect data,” says Janus R. Nielsen. These users often install unauthorized third party apps, which are free but can easily inject malware into the phone. “For example, the compulsive could benefit from a mobile VPN (Virtual Private Network) service where they can connect to their home network or outside the home via encrypted channels so that strangers are unable to track online surfing. ”

Security tips for all smartphone users

1. Create the longest possible access code for your smartphone or use the fingerprint sensor.

2. Read ratings and comments before downloading any app. If there isn’t, you’d better skip the app.

3. Read the terms carefully before accepting and downloading any app. For example, no puzzle game needs access to your messages or location.

4. Consider using an antivirus with tracking, blocking, or backup in case of loss. This applies to owners of an Android smartphone.

5. Beware of public WiFi hotspots.

6. Remember that the guarantee does not apply if the smartphone is ‘jailbroken’ (switching off the security structure).

7. Be careful with apps from unauthorized app stores as they can easily contain malicious programs. It is best to only download apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play. The same applies to advertising in free apps.

8. Install any security updates for your mobile operating system.