1. Avoid giving out personal information
That text message that looks to be from your bank may not be. If you get requests via email or text for account information from any business, contact the business directly to confirm the request. The same advice goes for tapping links in unsolicited emails or texts.
2. Use a PIN, password, or pattern to lock your phone
Setting this up is easy. For most Android™ devices, go to your Location & Security Settings for instructions. iOS users can find these functions in the General options of their settings.
3. Download apps only from trusted stores
If you’re browsing for a new game or something more productive, use places such as Google Play™. Make sure you check ratings and reviews if they are available, and read the app’s privacy policy to see exactly what phone features it will have access to if you download.
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4. Back up your data
This is more about protecting and restoring your information should disaster strike. With Backup Assistant Plus and Verizon Cloud, you can save your contacts, music, pictures, videos, and documents to the cloud.
5. Keep your operating system and apps updated
There are typically periodic updates to both of these that not only add new features but also offer tightened security.
6. Log out of sites after you make a payment
If you bank or shop from your smartphone, log out of those sites once your transactions are complete. Other tips include not storing your usernames and passwords on your phone and avoiding transactions while you are on public Wi-Fi.
7. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® when not in use
You think of them as ways to connect to something, but thieves can use them to connect to your device and access files.
8. Protect your investment
Losing your smartphone can be pretty stressful. Each day, 200,000 devices are lost, stolen, or damaged.
To prevent this from happening, consider Total Mobile Protection. You’ll get a replacement device as soon as the next day if yours is lost, stolen, damaged, or has a mechanical or electrical defect after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
Other useful features include lock, locate, alarm, and the ability to wipe your device if it is lost.
