Clever ways to avoid smartphone identity theft

Identity theft can happen when you use any digital device, and smartphones are unfortunately no exception. When a cybercriminal is able to access your personal data, he or she could impersonate you for various reasons, such as for gaining access to your bank account or applying for a credit card. If that were to happen, it could not only lead to financial losses. It will probably also cause you a huge amount of stress. Luckily, there are ways to avoid smartphone identity theft. Check out the following clever methods to ensure your personal data remains secure.

Get Identity Theft Protection

With identity theft protection software, any red flags from your online accounts and data are immediately reported. While identity theft protection cannot actually prevent someone from stealing your personal details, it can warn you as soon as there are signs that it’s happening, thereby allowing you to tackle it quickly. For example, if someone were to apply for a credit card in your name, the service will notify you immediately. The service will notify you when your personal information has been used as well, such as changes made to your bank account. With identity theft protection, you can avoid identity theft turning into a long-term problem by nipping it in the bud as soon as it occurs. There are lots of different identity theft protection services available, so it’s important you shop around to find the right one for your needs. Begin by comparing the identity theft protection available at Buyersguide.org.

Lock Your Smartphone

One of the simplest ways of ensuring the data on your smartphone remains safe is to lock your phone with a PIN only you know. Identity theft doesn’t just come from online. It also comes from real-world thieves stealing smartphones. In case your smartphone is stolen, make sure thieves cannot access it.

Use a “Find Your Phone” Feature

If you lose your phone, it could fall into the hands of identity thieves, so it’s a good idea to use a “find your phone” feature to locate it before someone else does. You could also choose a smartphone that comes with a “kill switch,” allowing you to shut down the phone remotely.

Use a Secure Internet Connection

Identity theft happens most online, so it’s vital your internet connection is secure when using your smartphone. Whenever you’re checking your emails or using apps, double-check that the connection is secure. Using a VPN can help to improve your security. And avoid public Wi-Fi at all costs. It may be free, but it’s an easy way for cybercriminals to monitor your online behavior and target you with identity theft fraud.

Use Extreme Caution When Clicking on Links

It’s easy to click on a link without thinking twice about it, but if you do so, you’re more likely to become a victim of identity theft. Cybercriminals regularly target smartphone users by sending them links that appear to be from reputable companies. But links aren’t always what they seem. They can be used by cybercriminals to get hold of your information, so never click on a link without checking its trustworthiness first.

Do Not “Jailbreak” Your Smartphone

While the majority of people do not “jailbreak” their phones, many people still do. The act of “jailbreaking” involves unlocking your phone in order to run unauthorized software on it. There can be benefits to doing that, such as accessing specific programs you need, but if you do “jailbreak” your smartphone, you need to be aware of the risk. It will be much easier for cybercriminals to infect your smartphone with malware and steal your identity, so avoid “jailbreaking.”