While very effective, there’s a reason why heavy-duty phone cases aren’t the only way to protect your phone. Smartphones are subject to many different kinds of ‘attack’, physical and otherwise.
Software attacks in particular can be very damaging, with effects ranging from unauthorized access to sensitive data and system disruption to financial losses and reputational damage.
So here are some top categories of smartphone security apps explained.
Antivirus Apps
Antivirus apps are like digital guards for a smartphone, scanning your device for malware, including viruses, trojans, worms, and other malicious software, removing or quarantining them when detected. And this is one of the easiest ways to keep your personal information from being stolen, your device from getting damaged, and your privacy from being compromised.
Some key features include:
- Real-time Scanning. Many antivirus apps offer real-time protection, constantly monitoring your device for potential threats
- Automatic Updates. Antivirus apps update their virus definitions regularly so that they can identify the latest threats
- On-Demand Scans. You can manually initiate scans of your device to check for malware
- Scheduled Scans. Or set up automated scans at specific times
Anti-Theft Apps
Anti-theft apps are an effective insurance policy against losing your smartphone or having it stolen with a set of features that mean locating your device, remotely locking it to prevent unauthorized access, and even wiping its data if recovery is unlikely.
Anti-theft apps mean peace of mind for the large part as if your smartphone goes missing, you have the tools to locate it and protect your personal information from unauthorized access.
Some key features include:
- GPS Tracking. These apps can pinpoint the location of your lost or stolen phone, often with great accuracy
- Alarm Triggering. Some apps let you trigger a loud alarm on your lost phone to make it easier to find
- Camera Access. A few anti-theft apps can capture photos using the phone’s camera to help identify potential thieves
VPN Apps
VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps establish a secure, encrypted connection between your smartphone and a remote server, shielding your online activities from eavesdroppers, hackers, and really any entities trying to monitor or intercept your internet traffic.
They are particularly valuable if you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, as they make it much more challenging for potential attackers to snoop on your online activities or steal your data.
Some key features include:
- Choice of Server Locations. VPN apps allow you to connect to servers in various locations, making it seem like you’re browsing from a different place
- Encryption Protocols. They use strong encryption to protect your data from being intercepted
- Automatic Connection. Many VPNs can automatically connect to secure networks when you access untrusted Wi-Fi, such as at a cafe or airport
Protecting more than your phone’s hardware is non-negotiable in the digital age; keep these security apps in mind.