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Top tips for better mobile security on iPhone and android : Every week there is news of mobile security breaches. From Apple iOS to Linux / Android bugs leaving billions of users vulnerable to hijacking attacks. The reality is that as more and more people use their phones to go online, more cybercriminals will target these users.

There’s also an increase in businesses using mobile devices for storing and transmitting sensitive data. Online banking is just the tip of the iceberg. GPS programs can find your location. Mobile apps often require that you allow them to access data stored in your phone or on the cloud.

You can receive digital boarding passes via text message or verification codes for logging into sites, social media apps publish photos and personal data, fitness and health apps —a cybercriminal can learn all there is to know about their targets by breaching their mobile phone.

“Everything from backdoor malware that steals personal information to ransomware that locks your phone until payment is made exists in the mobile space. With millions of malware samples in the wild, there is no reason not to be concerned.”

Mobile malware is a frontier ripe for cyber-criminal activity but what can businesses do to prevent it?

Here are some great steps to improve security on your mobile device :

• Make sure users Use password or fingerprint detection to lock mobile devices.
• Set the time on your password lock to be short as well—30 seconds or less is advisable.
• Consider encrypting your mobile device’s data. Doing so is especially useful for protecting sensitive data, whether that’s business emails or investing and banking apps.
• Set up remote wipe. If your phone is lost or stolen, you’ll be able to wipe all of its data remotely. You can often use remote wipe to find your phone’s location.
• Back up your device’s data. Consider connecting it to an associated cloud service for automatic back up and encryption. If you don’t trust the cloud, be sure to connect your device to a computer to sync data in order to preserve photos, videos, apps, and other files.
• Avoid third-party apps. On iPhone you don’t have much of a choice. However, for Android users, staying on Google Play and not allowing apps from unknown sources keeps you relatively safe. If you do decide to use third-party apps, research to be sure you’re not getting a malicious one.
• Avoid jailbreaking your iPhone or rooting your Android. While the processes are different, the end result is bypassing the phone manufacturers intended security protocols and ultimately weakens the security of your device.
• Don’t delay in updating your device when a new software update notification arrives.
• Be wary of social engineering scams. Just as you do on your computer, view any communications (including texts or emails) from unknown sources with a careful eye.
• Avoid using public wifi…. Yes, you don’t want to use up all your data. However, public wifi is inherently insecure, so try not to make transactions or transmit sensitive data while using it. Consider using a VPN service to encrypt data transmitted online.

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