Are Your Smartphones and Tablets As Protected As Your Laptop? They Should Be!

If you're anything like me, you're probably reading this on your smartphone or tablet, while sipping on a coffee. In fact, you likely can't remember the last time you went a whole day without using one of these handy devices. They're our lifeline to the digital world, storing our precious photos, contacts, messages, and so much more. However, have you ever stopped to wonder, "Is my device as protected as it could be?"

Oddly enough, most people are meticulous about installing anti-virus software on their laptops and desktops, but don't extend that same level of care to their mobile devices. It's time to change that!

Let's make the security of our mobile devices a priority. Here are a few simple, non-techy steps you can take to better protect your devices and all the valuable information on them.

Lock it up tight 

Treat your phone as your digital home. Just as you wouldn't leave your house door open, don't leave your phone accessible to anyone. Use features like a passcode or biometric identification (like your fingerprint or face recognition) to ensure only you can unlock your device. Imagine if your phone was lost or stolen - you wouldn't want a stranger to have free reign, would you?

Stay updated

Ever ignored those system and app update notifications? I've been guilty of this too at times, but those updates often contain important security improvements that keep your devices safe from emerging threats. Think of it as your phone's health check-up! 

Be selective about your app

Not all app stores are created equal. Some are like well-policed cities (like Google Play Store or Apple App Store), while others can be more like the wild west. Stick to the trusted sources to avoid accidentally downloading a harmful app. It's like grocery shopping - you wouldn't buy food from a questionable source, would you?  Be careful of downloading apps via a QR code that your phone scans.  There are more and more instances of those being used to get people to install malware.

Beware of digital trickster

Phishing scams are sneaky attempts to get you to give away your personal details. Just like you wouldn't hand over your wallet to a suspicious stranger on the street, don't click on links or download attachments from an email or text message that doesn't seem quite right.

Install a mobile security app

There are numerous mobile security apps available that can act as your device's bodyguard, sniffing out and tackling any malware or threats. It's like having your own digital superhero, constantly on guard!  I have AVG on my phones and tablets.  Look for an app from a well known vendor.  It's also a good idea to be able to remotely wipe your device if it's stolen.  A lot of security apps have that as a feature.

Turn off when not needed

If you're not using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, turn them off. It's like closing your windows when you're not at home, preventing any unwanted access to your device. 

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi

It's tempting to use public Wi-Fi when it's available, but doing so can sometimes expose your device to danger. It's like walking through a dodgy neighborhood at night - best avoided if possible.  I storngly recommend using a VPN.  I have a few blogs on VPNs, including how to choose one for yourself that can be found at under what-vpn-is-right-for-me

Regular backups

Finally, make sure you regularly back up your phone's data. This acts as a safety net, preserving your precious photos, messages, and other data in case your device gets stolen or breaks down. It's like having an insurance policy for your digital life!  As someone who spent a large amount of my profession career working in data, backups at very important.  Data backed up is easier to recover.  There are a lot of options out there, let me know if you want help in finding the right fit for you!

Stay safe out there

In the end, our digital security comes down to the choices we make each day. When we adopt safety measures, we take charge of our digital footprint and take a step toward a more secure digital future. By embracing these tips, you're taking charge of your digital security. Remember, our phones and tablets contain a treasure trove of personal information, so let's protect them like the digital goldmines they are!