Common Smartphone Mistakes Putting Your Privacy at Risk

Can’t get enough of using your new smartphone? People love smartphones, and we can see that from the exponentially growing mobile phone industry. Although features, properties, and prices vary significantly in the mobile phone market, privacy risks and security concerns remain more or less similar. Hence, you should pay close attention to how you’re using your mobile phone and what mistakes you might be making.

This post will guide you about some of the most common smartphone mistakes users make daily. Those mistakes might sound trivial. However, they can put your privacy and personal data at risk. Since the number of cyber threats and attacks only keeps increasing, it’s wise to learn how to protect your privacy when using a smartphone.

· Using the Same Password/PIN Code

No matter how much you explain and elaborate, you will come across many people who still reuse the same passwords and PIN codes for multiple online accounts and devices. For instance, they will use the same combination of special characters, numerical, symbols, and letters.

It can be perilous to do so because that’s what hackers and online attackers try first. They will test the known password or PIN code on all valuable accounts and devices. So, if you use the same four-digit PIN to make debit card purchases and unlock your laptop, you’re at a high risk of exposing your privacy.

· Shopping Directly from Online Ads

Smartphone users often get used to clicking on online ads to reach ecommerce platforms and online retail shops. Although that’s more convenient than entering the URL of the ecommerce platform in the browse, it can be a huge privacy risk for a smartphone user.

Do you know why? Many scammers and phishing attackers pose as renowned brands to show ads on websites and social media pages. If you click directly on ads and enter your banking information to complete the purchase, you may lose your sensitive data instead of getting the ordered products/services.

· Connecting Automatically to Open Wi-Fi Connections

One of the most debilitating mistakes that smartphone users make daily is connecting to free public Wi-Fi connections automatically. It sounds convenient and hassle-free, sure. But do you know how risky it is?

It can cost you all your smartphone data and personal information linked with your phone because online attackers set up traps on public internet connections. Always use a VPN or proxy server to keep a distance from cybercriminals on public Wi-Fi connections. Moreover, turn off the automatic connection features to keep your smartphone device safe.

· Giving Permission to Apps without Forethought

This happens a lot; in fact, you may do it yourself. When you are in a hurry to test out a unique mobile app, you will click on “allow” endlessly, right? Well, that’s a serious privacy risk because not all apps are designed with standard safety features and security protocols. Make sure you gather more information about the apps that you’re using.

Conclusion

A few silly mistakes could cost you your whole bank account balance –through your phone! Make sure you’re using updated tips and techniques to be at a safe distance from online attackers and hackers.

From personal conversations with friends to family photos and bank account details, everything’s a target in the eyes of cybercriminals. That’s why being proactive and using a smartphone “smartly” is the safest option.