10 Mobile Device Security Tips

Leverage Safety Check for Comprehensive Security

In our experience as cyber security consultants advising businesses and high-profile individuals, the most effective mobile security practice we implement on iOS is enabling and regularly reviewing “Safety Check” – a comprehensive security audit tool that most people don’t realize covers far more than just app permissions. This built-in feature systematically reviews several critical security areas: your IP address location settings, accounts and passwords for services containing personal information, social media privacy settings, sharing configurations across all your devices (including family members’ devices that might be accessing your data), unwanted tracking from AirTags or Find My network accessories, and HomeKit camera access by other household members.

A solid practical approach involves using Safety Check quarterly to perform comprehensive audits across these interconnected security layers. The most discoveries often come from the “Other Devices” section where you’ll find forgotten iPads, old iPhones, or even your children’s devices still syncing your personal photos and messages. The Home section often reveals that housemates or family members have access to security cameras, which could compromise your privacy. Additionally, unwanted tracking alerts help identify if someone has placed an AirTag in your belongings without consent.

The advice we give others is to understand that Safety Check isn’t just about revoking app access – it’s a comprehensive digital life audit that examines how your personal information flows across devices, accounts, social platforms, and shared services. Most iPhone users focus solely on app permissions while missing the bigger picture of data sharing through family plans, home networks, and connected devices.

The harsh reality is that mobile security issues often stem from legitimate sharing arrangements that have evolved beyond their original intent and not from iOS (operating system) vulnerabilities. Your iPhone’s Safety Check provides visibility into every digital connection you’ve established, but only if you use it to audit the complete ecosystem rather than individual apps. After all, there’s hardly any difference between our use of computers and mobile devices, so treat these as critical components of your digital lives. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks.

Enable Automatic Updates and Review Permissions

The most important action I take to secure my mobile devices is enabling automatic security updates and regularly reviewing app permissions. At Certo, where we specialize in mobile security threats, I’ve seen how quickly security vulnerabilities can be exploited when devices aren’t kept current with the latest protections.

Automatic updates ensure that security patches are installed as soon as they become available, closing vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Mobile operating systems like iOS and Android regularly release security fixes that address newly discovered threats, but these protections only work if they’re actually installed on your device.

Equally important is the periodic review of app permissions. Many users grant extensive permissions when installing apps but never revisit these settings. Apps that seemed trustworthy at installation might request access to contacts, location data, or camera functions that aren’t necessary for their core purpose. Regularly auditing and restricting these permissions limits your exposure if an app is compromised or begins misusing data.

My tip for others is to treat mobile security as an ongoing practice rather than a one-time setup. Beyond enabling automatic updates, take a few minutes each month to review which apps have access to sensitive information like your location, contacts, or microphone. Remove apps you no longer use, and question whether the apps you keep really need all the permissions they’ve been granted.

The reality is that mobile devices often contain more personal and sensitive information than our computers, yet many people spend less time securing them. Simple practices like keeping software updated and managing app permissions provide substantial security improvements without requiring technical expertise or expensive security tools.

These basic steps address the most common ways mobile devices get compromised, creating a strong foundation for mobile security.

Use Biometric Authentication and Strong Passcodes

One key action I take to ensure my mobile devices are secure is enabling biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, in addition to strong passcodes. This multi-layered approach makes it significantly harder for unauthorized users to access my device, especially if it’s lost or stolen. Biometrics offer a quick, convenient, and secure method for protecting sensitive information while maintaining ease of use.

For others looking to improve their mobile security, I recommend regularly updating your device’s operating system and apps. Updates often include critical security patches that protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities and threats. Neglecting updates can leave your device exposed to malware or hacking attempts. Additionally, be cautious about the apps you download—stick to trusted sources like official app stores and review app permissions carefully to avoid granting unnecessary access to your data. By combining strong authentication with routine maintenance and mindful app management, users can significantly enhance the security of their mobile devices.

Protect Data with VPN on Public Wi-Fi

A crucial tip I’d give others is to be smart about public Wi-Fi. It’s incredibly tempting to connect to a free, open network at a coffee shop or airport, but these are often unsecured playgrounds for hackers. Malicious actors can easily “eavesdrop” on unencrypted traffic to steal your personal information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, the best thing you can do is use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel that keeps your data safe from prying eyes and potential threats. It’s an inexpensive way to get peace of mind when you’re on the go.

Implement Password Manager for Unique Logins

One action I take to ensure my mobile devices are secure is using 1Password to manage all of my logins and sensitive information. Instead of relying on my memory or saving passwords in my browser or Notes app, I store everything in an encrypted vault that requires biometric authentication to access. This means even if someone gets access to my phone, they still can’t get into my accounts without my fingerprint or face ID.

A tip I’d give to others is to stop reusing passwords across apps and websites. It’s one of the most common security flaws people make, and it opens the door for attackers to take over multiple accounts with a single breach. 1Password makes it easy to generate complex, unique passwords for each login, and you only need to remember one master password to access everything securely.

Mobile security isn’t just about having a passcode—it’s about protecting what’s inside. With tools like 1Password, you can take that extra step to keep your data safe without making your life more complicated.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication for Added Security

One action I always take to ensure my mobile devices are secure is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever it’s available. MFA adds a critical layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorized users to access sensitive information—even if they somehow obtain your password. In legal marketing and SEO, we handle confidential client data, proprietary strategies, and logins for numerous accounts, so this extra step is non-negotiable for us.

Looking to improve your mobile security? Treat your phone like the gateway to your entire professional and personal life—because it is. Start by creating strong, unique passwords for all accounts, and use a reputable password manager to keep them organized. Never reuse passwords. Be vigilant about which apps you install, only download from official app stores, and review app permissions regularly. Uninstall anything you don’t use.

Another often-overlooked step is to stay current with software updates. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems, so make it a point to update your devices and apps as soon as a new patch is released.

Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting outside of trusted networks to keep data encrypted and minimize risk. For legal professionals and marketers, a breach can be costly financially and in terms of client trust and reputation. Prioritizing mobile security isn’t just smart; it’s essential for anyone handling sensitive information in today’s digital landscape.

Minimize App Permissions and Use MDM

By default, we turn off app permissions and only turn them on case by case. This prevents the monitoring of locations, access to microphones, and scraping of contacts unless such features are essential. We also take an additional step of enrolling a dedicated device into a mobile device management (MDM) platform to apply encryption, remote wipe, and login restrictions to any business-related apps, e.g., banking, CRM, or analytics apps.

To anyone reading this, here is the tip: audit your permissions monthly. Trustworthy applications may also cause vulnerabilities with updates installed. The majority of the population concentrates on passwords instead of app behavior where much of the data is exposed. The first thing you can do for mobile security is minimizing what your phone can do when you are not looking.

Enforce Mobile Device Management Solutions

One action we take to ensure our mobile devices are secure is enforcing mobile device management solutions across all company-issued devices. This allows us to control app installations, enforce strong security policies, and remotely wipe data if a device is lost or stolen. It’s a vital part of our overall security posture, especially with teams accessing sensitive systems on the go.

We would recommend enabling automatic updates and biometric authentication on all devices. Keeping your operating system and apps up to date closes known vulnerabilities, and features like fingerprint or facial recognition add an extra layer of protection that’s harder to bypass than traditional PINs or passwords. Combining these simple steps can drastically reduce your exposure to mobile threats.

Encrypt Devices and Use Biometric Authentication

The implementation of device-level encryption with obligatory biometric authentication has been a decisive measure in protecting sensitive data, particularly when mobile access is applied to communication with suppliers and approvals of orders. All devices that will be used for work are set to full-disk encryption with a remote wipe feature in case of loss or theft. This additional protection in the form of fingerprint or facial identity verification means that even if credentials are compromised, access is prevented.

Treating mobile devices as a gateway into your network rather than a personal device with optional security is one piece of advice to others. When a device is connected to internal dashboards, client information, or purchasing systems, it should be treated in the same way as any workstation. Forced security updates and regular audits also assist in sealing loopholes that may be exploited due to outdated software.

Activate Remote Wipe and Use Encrypted Apps

I also have remote wipe and biometric authentication activated. It may seem simplistic, but when a device is lost, even momentarily, it puts me in control. A few years ago, I lost my phone during a conference. I could wipe sensitive emails and client application access remotely, as no one could access the device since I had remote wipes enabled through my device manager.

Make your phone your working terminal. Use encrypted messaging applications, avoid financial website auto-logins, and use a VPN for public Wi-Fi. It only takes one mistake on a mobile phone to reveal more information than individuals would imagine.