Since the invention of the first portable cell phone in 1973, phones have evolved from simple devices used to make calls to smart devices used for daily structure and connection. Today, we do almost everything on our phones with the use of mobile applications (apps) that often store our personal information.
With so much at stake, how can we keep our mobile app experience safe?
How to Keep Your Mobile App Experience Safe?
Popular Apps
Our phones have become indispensable to our daily lives, helping us stay connected to loved ones across the globe. But, what else can you do on these tiny devices? Here are a few examples of the types of mobile apps we use daily:
- Social Media apps like Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter (X), and LinkedIn
- Entertainment apps like Spotify, Netflix, YouTube, TikTok
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Slack, Messenger, Telegram
- Navigation apps like Waze, Google Maps, and Petal Maps
- Gaming apps like Temple Run, Candy Crush, Tetris, and Subway Surfer
- Fitness and wellness apps like Calm, MyFitnessPal, Huawei Health
- Food delivery and restaurant apps like Mr. Delivery and UberEats
- Financial apps like various banking apps, NerdWallet, and eToro
- Mobile gambling and sports betting apps like Stake and BetOnline
- E-commerce apps like Amazon and eBay
- Productivity apps like Google Drive, Microsoft Office/360, and Notebook
These are just a few examples, but it already becomes clear that we are sharing a lot of personal and financial information and private conversations on or with apps, which leads on to the next point…
The Importance of Mobile App Security
As an average mobile user, you might be asking yourself; why should I secure my apps, or what makes app security so important? Mobile app security is something the average user needs to consider, as it can help prevent and avoid situations like:
Login and personal data theft
- Theft of financial information
- Theft of intellectual property
- Company and personal reputational damage
- Access to personal and company data
5 Tips to keep your mobile app experience safe
As we’ve already mentioned, keeping your mobile apps secure is important and can help you prevent a lot of shady activities. So, how can you keep your mobile app experience safe? Here are a few tips you can use to help boost the security of your mobile applications:
1. Download From Trusted Sources and Read Reviews
Always make sure you only use trusted sources when downloading games and apps on your phone. There are a lot of options for trusted app sources, like Google Play Store, Apple iStore, and Huawei.
In addition, take advantage of app reviews online before downloading. Many platforms offer reviews for users to check out before your download begins. For example, if you’re searching for a fun new game app to play on your phone, read the reviews first. Likewise, if you’re a sports enthusiast and want to bet on an upcoming game, read reviews of the best sports betting apps before downloading your top choice.
2. Make Use of User Authentication Security
If you use any apps that store personal, sensitive, or financial data and require login details, using User Authentication Security can help further secure your data. User Authentication Security like Google Authenticate, Microsoft Authenticator, and others, gives you additional ways to verify your identity with the support of two-factor authentication (2FA) and extra personal protection. It can give you complete protection against automated cyberattacks, yet many of us aren’t taking advantage of it. For example, only 2.5% of X (Twitter at the time) users had 2FA enabled by the end of 2020.
3. Secure Your Data
Data security ensures that no third party can access or read your data. With the use of data/file encryption, you can turn your data into an unreadable format, thus, making it harder for any third party or hacker to exploit your data.
4. Get a Mobile Antivirus Software
Mobile antivirus apps can help you scan and secure your device’s apps in real-time. It helps protect your device from viruses and malware and also helps to strengthen your privacy and improve mobile performance. You can use apps like Avast Mobile Security, AVG Antivirus Free, Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus, and others. Less than half of users have a mobile antivirus installed, despite the fact that around 20% of internet users have been affected by virus attacks. Don’t become another statistic!
5. Use Different Passwords
It is often easier to use the same password for all your apps and profiles. However, it is not wise or secure as it will leave you vulnerable to attacks. So, if you use various apps that require login details, it’s best to use different passwords for each profile. But, if you tend to forget such intricate details, you can get password-storing apps like 1Password, Dashlane, or RememBear. It’s thought that around 1 in 3 people in the US currently use such tools, while over 40% report relying on memory alone to keep track of their passwords. On mobile, using facial recognition is another useful alternative to log in to your apps – hackers won’t be able to get around this.
