How can you secure your mobile and IoT devices?

1 Update your OS and apps

One of the simplest and most effective ways to secure your mobile and IoT devices is to keep your operating system and applications updated. Updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and performance improvements that can prevent or fix vulnerabilities and exploits. You can enable automatic updates or check for updates manually on your device settings. Make sure you also update any firmware or software that controls your IoT devices, such as smart speakers, cameras, or thermostats.

3 Install antivirus and firewall software

Antivirus and firewall software can help you detect and block malicious software and network attacks on your mobile and IoT devices. Antivirus software scans your device for viruses, malware, spyware, and other threats, and removes or quarantines them. Firewall software monitors and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic on your device, and prevents unauthorized access or data leakage. You can install reputable antivirus and firewall software from the app store or the device manufacturer, and update them regularly.

4 Avoid phishing and spoofing

Phishing and spoofing are techniques that hackers use to trick you into revealing your personal or financial information, or installing malicious software on your mobile and IoT devices. Phishing is when hackers send you fake emails, texts, or calls that pretend to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, government agencies, or online services, and ask you to click on a link, download an attachment, or provide your credentials. Spoofing is when hackers create fake websites, apps, or devices that look like the real ones, and try to lure you into using them. To avoid phishing and spoofing, you should always verify the sender, the URL, and the content of any message or request you receive, and never open or download anything suspicious.

5 Manage your permissions and privacy settings

Permissions and privacy settings are the options that allow you to control what information and features your mobile and IoT devices and apps can access and use. For example, you can grant or deny permissions for your camera, microphone, location, contacts, or notifications. You can also adjust your privacy settings to limit how your data is collected, shared, or used by third parties, such as advertisers, social media platforms, or cloud services. You should review your permissions and privacy settings regularly, and only allow what is necessary and trustworthy for your device and app functionality.

6 Disable or delete unused features and apps

Finally, you can secure your mobile and IoT devices by disabling or deleting any features and apps that you do not use or need. Unused features and apps can pose security risks, as they can consume your device resources, expose your data, or create entry points for hackers. For example, you can disable or delete Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, or GPS when you are not using them, or uninstall any apps that you have not used for a long time, or that have low ratings or reviews. You can also disable or delete any pre-installed apps that came with your device, if they are not essential or useful for you.