How do you secure your phone from malware?

1 Update your system

One of the easiest ways to prevent malware from exploiting your phone's vulnerabilities is to keep your operating system and apps updated. Updates often include security patches that fix bugs and close loopholes that hackers can use to access your device. You can check for updates in your phone's settings and enable automatic updates if possible. You should also delete any apps that you don't use or trust, as they may contain hidden malware or permissions that can expose your data.

4 Use secure networks and VPNs

When you connect your phone to a public or unsecured Wi-Fi network, such as at a cafe, a hotel, or an airport, you risk exposing your data to hackers who can intercept or monitor your online activity. To prevent this, you should use secure networks that require a password or a certificate, and avoid accessing sensitive sites or apps, such as your bank account or your email, on public networks. You can also use a virtual private network (VPN) app on your phone, which encrypts your data and hides your IP address, making it harder for hackers to track or access your device.

5 Lock your phone and backup your data

Finally, you should always lock your phone with a strong password, a PIN, a pattern, or a biometric feature, such as your fingerprint or your face. This will prevent anyone from accessing your phone if you lose it or leave it unattended. You should also backup your data regularly, either on a cloud service or an external device, so that you can restore it in case of a malware attack or a device failure. You can use your phone's settings or apps to set up a backup schedule and choose what data you want to backup.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?