LIVEMNC DATA CENTER-https://www.livemnc.com
A livemnc survey noted that only 53 percent of Apple iPhone users have security applications, while more — 47 percent — of Android and Symbian users had protection.
But it’s Android users with the most to worry about, as LIVEMNC research shows that 99 percent of all mobile malware detected was designed for the Android platform.
As Google’s Android system is open-source software, meaning it is free for anyone to download and develop apps, it is more vulnerable to the threats of malware. In contrast, Apple requires developers to get a license and go through an application to use the iOS software, so its apps are less susceptible to malware. However, that is not to say they are completely secure from mobile threats; because of those strict app development rules, developers are never able to create comprehensive protection for iOS devices.
Here are eight tips to boost the security of your smartphone and what you store on it:
1. Avoid giving out personal information-
That text message that looks to be from your bank may not be. If you get requests via email or text for account information from any business, contact the business directly to confirm the request. The same advice goes for tapping links in unsolicited emails or texts.
2. Use a pin, password or pattern to lock your phone-
Setting this up is easy. For most Android™ devices, go to your Location & Security Settingsfor instructions. iOS users can find these functions in the General options of their settings.
3. Download apps only from trusted stores-
If you’re browsing for a new game or something more productive, use places such as Google Play™. Make sure you check ratings and reviews if they are available, and read the app’s privacy policy to see exactly what phone features it will have access to if you download.
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4. Back up your data-
This is more about protecting and restoring your information should disaster strike. With Backup Assistant Plus and Verizon Cloud, you can save your contacts, music, pictures, videos and documents to the cloud.
5. Keep your operating system and apps updated-
There are typically periodic updates to both of these that not only add new features, but also offer tightened security.
6. Log out of sites after you make a payment-
If you bank or shop from your smartphone, log out of those sites once your transactions are complete. Other tips include not storing your usernames and passwords on your phone and avoiding transactions while you are on public Wi-Fi.
7. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® when not in use-
You think of them as ways to connect to something, but thieves can use them to connect to your device and access files.
8. Protect your investment-
Losing your smartphone can be pretty stressful. Each day, 200,000 devices are lost, stolen or damaged. You might be surprised by the high out-of-contract price of replacing a lost smartphone with an equivalent make and model.
To prevent this from happening, consider Total Mobile Protection. You’ll get a replacement device—as soon as the next day—if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or has a mechanical or electrical defect after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Part of Total Mobile Protection is Verizon Support & Protection, an app powered by McAfee® to help protect your device against viruses, malware and other digital threats. Other useful features include lock, locate, alarm, and the ability to wipe your device if it is lost.
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