Our Suggested Mobile Device Etiquette

Your mobile device can be both your greatest asset and your greatest liability. With great power, comes great responsibility. Therefore, take these steps to optimize your phone’s performance and security. Your phone is simply a useful tool–let’s keep it that way!

Security

• Back up your phone data, including a cloud-based version.
  • iPhone instructions: Back up iPhone – Apple Support
  • Android instructions: Back up your device – Android – Google One Help
• Keep your software up to date! These updates regularly address security issues, heightening your phone’s protection.
• Use an agnostic app like Bitdefender to store your login credentials, as opposed to saving them on your phone. This comes in handy when transferring your data to a new phone!
• Only use apps from the certified app store.
  • Additionally, take note if the apps’ backup(s) is Cloud-oriented or dependent on you manually doing so. You’d hate to get a new phone and not have that data carry over!
• Turn your phone off and back on at least once a week.
  • While there is a wide range of ways to hack a phone, certain types can’t survive a reboot.
• Use a six-digit pin to access your phone and have it auto-lock at five minutes max.
• Be wary of having sensitive conversations on or nearby your phone. Even better, keep your phone outside the room where said conversations are being had.
• Disable your Bluetooth when not in use.
  • Airplane Mode doesn’t always ensure this.
• Disable your Wi-Fi when not in use. For our company, we opt to have separate Wi-Fi networks for computers and mobile devices.
  • Additionally, don’t connect to public WiFi and delete unnecessary networks. In Settings, you can opt out of auto-joining networks.
• Only use trustworthy charging cables, and do not use public charging stations.
  • Versions of the USB cable itself, sold online, have been found to compromise your phone.
• Disable location services when not needed.
  • At the very least, turn it off for as many apps as you can.
• Log out of sites after payments are made online. Even better, use PayPal to avoid entering card details into individual sites.
• Use Biometric authentication, whether that’s facial recognition or thumbprint.
• Consider a phone case that has the option to cover your camera and microphone.
• Have a minimal amount of apps to stay on top of what has access to your phone data.
• Be wary of entering personal data into apps.
• Close apps when not in use.
• Don’t open unknown attachments, nor enter personal data into strange prompts.
• If anything strange pops up, close all apps immediately. It may also be a good time to restart your phone.
• Do not jailbreak your phone!

Optimization

• Improve your cell phone quality by turning on Wi-Fi Calling and HD Voice.
  • With Wi-Fi calling, your call will go through your Internet instead of the nearest cell tower. This leads to more reliable and better-sounding calls.
    HD Voice uses the data connection, not the cell tower connection, also resulting in higher-quality calls.
  • Please review your carrier’s notes about the usage of each of these features, as they are handled differently.
  • Learn more about iPhone.
  • Learn more about Android.
• If you have Amazon Prime, take advantage of Amazon Photos! This is a great, agnostic platform to auto-store your photos on the Cloud.
• Only take your phone to trusted repair sites when need be. If you need any suggestions, let us know!

If you are worried your phone’s security is compromised or would like help with the implementation of these tips, get in touch! We’d love to help you over the phone at 302-529-3700.

About Partners Plus

Managed IT Services That Do the Work for You

Partners Plus began in 1991 as an outsourced IT department after working as the Director of Programming and a Consultant for six years. For 30+ years now, we have been 100% committed to ensuring small- and medium-sized business owners have the most reliable and professional virtual CIO in the Delaware Valley. Our dedicated team of professionals will solve your IT nightmares quickly and without confusion on your part.

Our customer-specific memberships deliver your needs without overstepping your budget boundaries. From cloud services and data backups to ransomware prevention and Dark Web monitoring, Partners Plus is here to work with you and your expert company, dependable outsourced IT support and security.

Partners Plus has locations and services the following areas:

Managed IT Services in Philadelphia – Managed IT Services in Delaware – Managed IT Services in Malvern