Did you know that people check their phones over 150 times each day? Unsurprisingly users spend the majority of their time in apps. Although it’s addicting, it can cause potential problems. To help you stay safe on your mobile device, Peoples Bank & Trust Co. offers these four tips to keep your information secure:
Don’t use personal information in your username. This common mistake can be a red flag for hackers looking to access your information. Usernames with this type of format often lead online predators to accessing your account and spamming your contacts. Avoid this dilemma by creating a monotonous username that doesn’t include your name, location, family, or pets.
When starting a new app, don’t allow it connect to Facebook. In the unfortunate event of your Facebook account becoming compromised, you then also have every app attached to it compromised. To combat this risk, make an individual account for each app.
Never share your personal information with other users. Often times, apps offer their own in-house messaging service for users to communicate with each other. If you’re talking with another user, or booking a service, never give your personal information such as a credit card or social security number. If the app is authentic, they should have a separate portal for any transactions that does not need to be facilitated through a messenger.
Sign-out and close the app after use. Once you’re finished with the app you’re using, be sure to close it entirely. While many users simply switch to other screen views, completely closing out of it eliminates the risk of background tasks going on while you’re unaware. Although this is not a common occurrence, it does offer an additional safety measure to continually safeguard your information.
Enjoy the latest apps and innovations your smartphone has to offer while keeping your information secure. If you’d like to learn more about cyber security, be sure to check our blog for monthly security articles!
Peoples Bank & Trust Co.
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender