Archives - Smartphone Tips


Enable the “Do Not Disturb” feature on your phone

Some phones come with a feature called “Do Not Disturb,” which sends all calls from people who are not saved to your contacts directly to voicemail. This can save you from answering the phone when a scammer calls and getting swindled out of personal information. Just remember to frequently empty your voicemail inbox so you […]

Don’t use your notes app for private information

People use the notes app on their smartphones for their grocery lists and other reminders, which is perfectly fine. However, do not use your notes app for personal information like your passwords, social security numbers or credit card information. Notes applications are not automatically encrypted, which means that hackers could easily decipher your private information. […]

Be cautious when public charging mobile devices

Avoid connecting your smartphone to any computer or charging station that you do not control, such as a charging station at an airport terminal or a shared computer at a library. Connecting a mobile device to a computer using a USB cable can allow software running on that computer to interact with the phone in […]

What are the risks associated with mobile device apps?

Applications (apps) on your smartphone or other mobile devices can be convenient tools to access the news, get directions, pick up a ride share, or play games. But these tools can also put your privacy at risk. When you download an app, it may ask for permission to access personal information—such as email contacts, calendar […]

Know your options for remotely wiping a mobile device

Having your mobile device lost or stolen is never fun. You lose an essential instrument while also potentially putting your data in jeopardy, too. Services like Find My iPhone and software like Total Defense Mobile Security provide some remedy, since they allow you to remotely wipe the device, erasing all of its contents and settings […]

Safeguard your smartphone

Stay current with software updates by applying them as soon as they become available. Besides adding new features, updates also patch security weaknesses and fix other bugs that cybercriminals can exploit. Also definitely be sure to configure a passcode, along with other even more secure options such as a fingerprint or facial recognition scan, if […]