Mobile phones are becoming increasingly essential in our lives. We use them for everything from communicating with loved ones to managing our finances. But as our reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the risk of data breaches and theft.
In fact, according to researchers from the University of Cambridge, about 87% of all Android devices have at least one critical vulnerability. And data breaches are becoming more and more common, with over 22 billion records exposed in 2021 alone.
So, what can you do to protect your data? This guide will show you the ultimate data security and erasure strategies for mobile phones. Let's get started.
Use a Secure Lock Screen
This is the simplest and one of the most effective ways to protect your data. A screen lock will prevent unauthorized access to your device if it's lost or stolen.
You can use several different types of lock screens, including pattern locks, PIN codes, fingerprint scanners, and face recognition.
We recommend using a strong password or PIN code as your primary lock screen. If your device supports it, you can also use a fingerprint scanner or face recognition as an additional layer of security.
Avoid using simple patterns like 123456 or 1234, as hackers can easily guess these.
Encrypt Your Data
Encryption is a process of transforming readable data into unreadable code. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your information if they manage to steal your device.
Most smartphones come with built-in encryption features, so all you need to do is enable it. On Android devices, you can find this option under Settings > Security > Encrypt Device.
For iPhones, go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode > Turn Passcode On. Once you've enabled encryption, create a strong passcode that can't be easily guessed.
If you're looking for an extra layer of security, you can also use a VPN. A VPN encrypts all the data that is sent and received from your device, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept.
Data Erasure as a Service
Data erasure is the process of permanently deleting data from a storage device. This is different from simply deleting files, as someone with the right software can still recover deleted files.
When you erase data, it's gone for good. This makes it an ideal solution for disposing of old devices or sensitive data.
You can use a cloud-based mobile device software like Certus Mobile to securely erase data from your device.
Secure Data With Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (also known as two-step verification) is an extra layer of security that requires you to confirm your identity before accessing an account.
This usually involves entering a code that's sent to your mobile phone. So, even if someone knows your password, they won't be able to access your account unless they also have your phone.
You can enable two-factor authentication for most online accounts, including social media, email, and banking. Many websites also offer it as an option when you log in.
Beef Up Your Mobile Data Security
Data security and erasure are important strategies for protecting your data on mobile devices. When you erase data, it is permanently removed from your device and can no longer be recovered. This makes it difficult for someone to access your data if they find your device.
If data safety on your mobile device is a concern for you, follow the tips in this guide to help keep your data safe.
We hope you found this guide helpful. Please keep visiting our blog for more tips and tricks on different topics.
Matt Hoffer is a crypto enthusiast and gamer. When he's not de-constructing the blockchain, you can find him chilling with some lemonade in the shade or playing a round of golf.
