First and foremost, you should be wary of free wifi, Some of these free wi-fi is set up in order to steal personal data. If you find yourself in an organisation where free wi-fi is provided, make sure you get the permission and credentials from the IT Officer in the organisation.
#2 Use MFA
There is a need for you to make use of Multi-Factor Authentication. This ensures that unauthorised user does not have access to your device. When you used MFA, once you are trying to log in, a One-Time Password will be sent to your mobile device. You might also be asked to enter a code sent to your mobile device before you could log in to your device. This provides an extra layer of security for your device.
#3 Backup data
There is a need for you to always back up your data. You have to make sure that a copy of your data is stored in a secured place. Added to that, you must make sure that your saved data are encrypted so that when your data fall into the wrong hand, they will not be able to make sense of the data.
#4 Change defaults
There is a need for you to change the default password and settings for your device. When hackers are trying to access your device. The first thing they will try to do is to login into your account with the default account details. You need to make sure that you change these default settings and log in to block hackers from accessing your device.
#5 Delete
As part of the security measures for your devices, You have to make sure that you delete all information stored on your devices before you discard them or sell them off. You have to make sure that all useful Apps are uninstalled.
You need to clear your accounts and make sure there are no traces of your password before you sell off your mobile devices to close friends and associates.
#6 Disable Unused Apps
Also, when it comes to mobile applications and ports, there is a need for you to disable all unused ports and applications.
You need to make sure that all these mobile applications such as Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Xender and others are disabled so that hackers will not use it as a means of penetrating into your device.
#7 Encrypt data
There is a need for you to encrypt all sensitive data and communication paths. You need to make sure that all those data are encrypted so that if by any means such data falls into wrong hands, they will not be able to make sense of such data. This will ensure that your sensitive data are not useful to hackers.
#8 Enable Screen Lock
As part of the security measures to check against vulnerabilities of your devices, you need to enable screen lock on your device. You should note that if your screens are not locked, it might enable even internal employees that mean harm or wanted to steal data to have access to your sensitive and use that to perpetrate attacks.
That is why, if you know that you are going to be away from your device, for a long time, make sure you lock your screen to avoid those that might want to eavesdrop on your device.
#9 Follow Company Guidelines
In order to avoid a situation where you are being used as a medium for attacking others, you have to make sure that follow your company data and network security. Following the policy will ensure that you are doing the right.
It will also guarantee that you are not exposing others to attacks. Please, if you do not know about these policies, always try to find out. There is no crime in asking.
#10 Be Up to date
There is a need for you to ensure that you are up to date when it comes to patch management. Software vendors always release patches when there are lapses in their software that hackers can exploit.
You need to make sure that you always update any outdated software that is available on your device.
#11 Unattended Devices
I also want to say that you must not leave your portable devices unattended. Some are in the habit of leaving their Laptops, PC, Smartphones and other devices without being concerned about what happened to the devices while they were away. This is bad. Also, if you have unused ports, you should shut them down if you are not using them.
#12 Airplane mode
Also, when you planned to store your phone away for some time, you should always endeavour to put it in aeroplane mode. This will ensure that no network communication will take place on that device. It will also ensure that hackers do not have time to launch ample attacks from that particular device.
#13 Non-Discoverable Bluetooth
There is a need for you to set your Bluetooth to non-discoverable mode. This will ensure that hackers are not able to discover it when they are perpetrating their evil. You should only use your Bluetooth when it becomes necessary. If they can discover your Bluetooth, they can steal your data.
#14 No Auto connection
As part of the measures of blocking network security vulnerabilities for devices, you should ensure that you are not using an automatic connection for devices. Doing this will ensure that your devices do not connect to other devices that can be used to launch an attack on your devices.
Action Point
PS: I know you might agree with some of the points raised in this article or disagree with some of the issues raised.
Please share your thoughts on the topic discussed. We would appreciate it if you could drop your comment. Thanks in anticipation.
Adeniyi Salau is a highly dedicated and committed Blogger of repute. He likes sharing his IT knowledge with others. My desire is to impact as many lives as possible with my IT skills. You can download my mobile APP. Download the ICTLOAD APP on Google Playstore. Thanks.
