Secure Your Smartphone on Data Privacy Day
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Celebrated annually on Jan. 28, Data Privacy Day is intended to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal information and promoting best practices for data privacy across the globe. Data security is more important than ever in today’s digital world with most people storing vast amounts of personal information on their devices.
As one of the largest authorized retailers of Verizon Wireless products and services in the U.S., Victra offers the top devices that can help keep customers’ personal data safe.
Understanding the Risks
From hackers and malware to data breaches, data privacy risks are ever evolving. Users are especially susceptible to a variety of common threats, such as phishing attacks, location tracking and unsecured Wi-Fi connections, making smartphone security more essential than ever. Due to the wide array of risks, users must secure their devices to maintain privacy and ensure their personal security.
Best Practices for Smartphone Data Protection
There are a number of ways users can maintain data protection on their devices. For example, regularly updating the operating software is a critical component of preventing security vulnerabilities. Keeping operating software up to date is crucial for several key reasons, including patch security weaknesses, improved privacy features, bug fixes and improved performance and privacy features.
Additionally, users should use strong, unique passwords. Complex passwords for each account and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are a simple way to prevent unwanted breaches accessing information. Passwords should be difficult for hackers to guess (i.e. not “123456” or “password”) and avoid common patterns, as well as include plenty of characters as longer passwords are significantly more difficult for cybercriminals to guess or crack using automated tools.
Moreover, even if a password is stolen, MFA adds a layer of supplemental security by requiring more than just a password for users to verify their identity. Types of MFA include SMS or email codes, authenticator apps, such as Google or Authy, that generate a time-sensitive code and biometric verification. Biometric safeguards are unique to each user, and it is much more difficult to hack or re-create someone’s Face ID, fingerprint or their other physical authentications.
Users should also encrypt their data as one of the most effective ways to protect their information. By encrypting data and converting it to a coded format that can only be read or decrypted by someone with the correct decryption key, such as a phone’s password, PIN or biometric authentication, users’ personal information is protected should someone gain physical access to their device.
Finally, users should not only encrypt their data as a preventative measure in the event their device is lost or stolen, but they should also regularly back up their data. Regular back-ups ensure data is safe and recoverable if the device itself is compromised, lost or stolen.
The Latest Privacy-Focused Devices from Victra
Fortunately for many users, today’s smartphones and devices are typically equipped with safeguards and built-in privacy features, many of which are available through Victra. Known for placing a strong emphasis on user privacy, Apple iOS offers end-to-end encryption for iMessages and FaceTime calls, app tracking transparency and privacy labels for each app. Apple users can also control what apps can access their location data, as well as if it is a one-time-only access or ongoing. For added peace of mind, iPhones also use a dedicated coprocessor, the Secure Enclave, to securely store users’ sensitive data – everything from passwords and encryption keys to biometric markers.
The Google Pixel also comes with key features designed to protect users’ privacy. Pixel devices feature a dedicated Google Titan security chip to protect users’ passwords, encryption keys and other sensitive data. Similarly, Samsung’s Galaxy phones use fingerprint, facial and iris authentication to ensure users’ privacy. Knox is Samsung’s defense-grade security solution built into the architecture of Samsung devices to encrypt and secure.
Visit Victra.com to explore the latest technologies from Apple, Samsung, Google and more, or to find the nearest Victra location.
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is a skilled Web Developer and Designer. He builds and designs websites that focus on best UI/UX practices. Justin is also a Verizon Product Expert at Victra, helping customers with Verizon products and services. His mix of design, coding, product, and general knowledge makes him a valuable and knowledgeable team member.
