Things have advanced to the point where the majority of people understand what cybersecurity is. Both corporate owners and common citizens have discovered how vital it is to safeguard their internet accounts. However, one critical component of this is sometimes forgotten, and it is something that everyone uses – the smartphone.

Now consider the possibility of your phone's information falling into the wrong hands. It also occurs more frequently. Criminals' efforts are redirected toward this and other peripheral gadgets. In 2018, security tools stopped an average of 10,573 harmful mobile applications each day. However, it takes one to break through.

That is why cellphones have become such important equipment to safeguard. As a result, here are five of the most underappreciated smartphone security precautions that everyone should be aware of.

#1 Permissions in apps are quite powerful

When someone installs a new program, they normally check the permissions (or don't look at them at all) before approving them. Malware and exploitable flaws are one of the most common ways for crooks to gain access to a smartphone via apps. Permissions in apps play a key part in this.

An app can't get access to much of the key data on the phone without intrusive permissions. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. However, they frequently take advantage of Android or iOS flaws.

As a result, constantly verify app permissions and disallow those that appear to be unnecessary. If you're intending to use the app and the permission is required for it to function properly, you can activate it while it's running. However, don't forget to disable those rights thereafter.

#2 VPNs can do things that data providers can't or won't do

When you connect to the internet, there will always be some risk. The only way to be 100% safe is to never connect again. Obviously, that isn't the answer. It's not enough to just hope nothing bad happens. People are taking things into their own hands. Virtual private networks and other security tools start being used (VPNs). 

Virtual private network (VPN) protects the connection between a smartphone and the internet by encrypting and making it look like no one can see what you do on the internet. In this way, even if hackers look into it, they can't get their hands on any information that is sent over the network. In the last few years, there have been a lot more VPN services.

There are a lot of good VPN services out there that work with both Android and iOS. Shop around a little and find one that does a good job but isn't too pricey. In general, don't use free apps. If it's free, then ask how they're making money.

#3 Two-Factor Authentication Can Save Your Life

These days, there are more and more apps and accounts that allow two-factor authentication (2FA). Plus, some apps add 2FA to apps that don't already have it. Then, when two-factor authentication is turned on, it asks for an extra verification (like a one-time pin) that you get on a specific device or account when you sign in to something. There is a verification process that must be passed before anyone can log into the account.

It's a simple way to keep accounts safe when there are data breaches. It's not 100% safe, though. Even if criminals get their hands on login information, they can't get into an account with 2FA turned on. They need to be able to touch the device to do that.

#4 Updates Are Required for a Vital Reason

Both app and operating system updates have important security fixes. As you know, the main reason for upgrading is to fix bugs and add new features. Security is also very important. Security updates are made by developers to fix problems that have been found. They also make the device more secure for the future.

So, it's very important that you install these updates, and also that you do so on time. When it's possible, turn on automatic updates. If not, don't forget to see if there are any new ones. It can be the difference between being hacked and not being hacked.

#5 The App Stores Are Infested with Malware

It's better to buy apps from official stores, like Google Play or the App Store, than from third-party stores. They're not perfect by any means, but at least they try to check apps and protect people. Other app stores don't care so much. Most of the time, they don't check out the apps that make it into their stores, either. So, be careful when you download apps from places that aren't on the official app stores. And, once again, be careful when you check the permissions of the app.

That concludes our discussion!

Five of these tips may seem obvious to some people, but they're still not very well known. There are about 3.5 billion people who use smartphones around the world, so there are a lot of people who can't protect themselves. Don't be one of them. Start following these safety tips today!