Nine top safety tips for managing business on your smartphone

Smartphones have become indispensable tools for business owners and employees alike. With the rise of remote work and the ease of managing tasks on the go, more professionals are relying on their mobile devices to handle everything from communication to financial transactions.

However, the increased convenience also brings heightened security risks.

Hackers and cybercriminals are constantly searching for vulnerabilities to exploit. How can you ensure that your mobile device is secured when running your business from it? Here are some essential safety tips to protect both your smartphone and your business data.

1. Enable strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA)

It may sound simple, but setting a strong password is your first line of defense. Many people still use easy-to-guess passwords like "123456" or "password," making it effortless for hackers to break in. According to a 2023 survey by Digital Security Magazine, 30% of smartphone users rely on weak or default passwords, which leaves them vulnerable.

What should you do? Always use a complex combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don’t stop there - enable two-factor authentication (2FA) as an extra layer of protection. With 2FA, even if someone guesses your password, they’ll need a second verification step, usually a one-time code sent to your phone or email, to access your data.

2. Keep your operating system and apps updated

Regularly updating your operating system (iOS or Android) and all apps on your device can reduce your exposure to attacks. You can set your phone to update automatically, so you don’t have to think about it every time an update is available.

However, you should not think that updating iOS alone is enough if the system is already infected. How to get rid of malware on the iPhone? Unfortunately, it will not be easy to clean viruses on the iPhone.

However, the format of this article will not allow us to provide instructions on how to get rid of viruses on iPad. Just use the virus removal guide, it describes the main steps in detail. In addition to how to clean your iPhone from viruses, you can also learn about the signs that your device is infected.

3. Use encrypted communication channels

Business communication often involves sensitive information, and sending this data over unsecured networks can expose it to third parties. If you’re using your smartphone to send emails, messages, or make calls related to your business, consider using apps that provide end-to-end encryption.

Popular messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp offer encrypted communications, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can view the message content. Moreover, for emails, services like ProtonMail offer encrypted email communication, which adds another level of security when handling confidential information.

4. Avoid using public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi may be convenient, especially when you're at a coffee shop or an airport, but it is a hotbed for cyberattacks. A shocking 2019 report by Symantec revealed that 60% of public Wi-Fi networks are unsecure, making it easier for hackers to intercept the data being transferred over them.

Instead of using public Wi-Fi, opt for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This can be a VPN extension or an application on a smartphone or PC. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for anyone to see what you’re doing online.

You can also rely on your mobile data connection, which is generally more secure than public Wi-Fi.

5. Install a mobile security app

Just like computers, smartphones can be infected with malware and viruses. Installing a reputable mobile security app can help detect threats before they cause damage. Many mobile security apps offer real-time scanning, malware detection, and even features like remote wiping in case your phone is lost or stolen.

You need antivirus scanners to detect infections and tools to protect your device in the future. VPN by VeePN with its encryption and virus detection is ideal for the role of a tool for constant data and device protection. This tool helps mitigate the risk of infections and can alert you to suspicious activity or vulnerabilities on your device.

6. Backup your data regularly

Imagine losing your smartphone and all the critical business data stored on it - it's a nightmare scenario. Unfortunately, this happens more often than you'd think.

Backing up your data regularly ensures that, in case of theft or loss, you won’t lose important business information. Most smartphones allow you to automatically back up data to the cloud (iCloud for iPhones, Google Drive for Android), making recovery easy if something happens to your device.

7. Be wary of phishing attacks

Phishing isn’t just a problem for desktop users. Mobile phishing attacks are on the rise.

A 2021 Lookout study found that mobile phishing attacks increased by 37% from the previous year. These attacks often come in the form of deceptive emails, texts, or pop-up messages that trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links.

To avoid falling victim to phishing, be cautious when opening links or attachments from unknown sources. If something seems suspicious, double-check the email or message before taking any action. It’s also wise to install anti-phishing tools that can help identify and block these threats.

8. Use biometric authentication

Biometric security features like fingerprint scans or facial recognition offer another layer of protection that is difficult for hackers to bypass. While not foolproof, biometrics significantly increase your smartphone’s security, making it much harder for unauthorised users to gain access.

For instance, if your phone is stolen, the thief would need more than just your password to get in - they’d also need your fingerprint or face. In 2022,  it was reported that biometric authentication is becoming increasingly adopted, with around 80% of smartphones now incorporating it.

9. Regularly review app permissions

Many apps request access to information on your phone that they don’t actually need. For instance, a simple game might ask for access to your contacts, camera, or location. If you blindly accept all these permissions, you could be unwittingly exposing sensitive business data.

Go into your smartphone’s settings and review the permissions you've granted to various apps. Limit access to only what’s necessary. Also, uninstall any apps that you no longer use to reduce potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Securing your mobile device is no longer optional - it's essential. From setting strong passwords to enabling biometric authentication, small changes can make a significant impact on your smartphone's security.

Considering the statistics - like the 37% rise in mobile phishing or the 52% of attacks from outdated software - business owners cannot afford to overlook mobile security. Incorporating these safety tips will not only protect your smartphone but also safeguard your business operations from costly breaches.

Stay vigilant, update regularly, and always keep your business data secure.