Smartphones might be the most important device in your life right now. From hailing a ride on the Uber app, paying utility bills through your bank’s mobile app, and closing a business deal via WhatsApp, there is hardly an activity in your life that doesn’t involve the use of a phone directly or indirectly.

Add to these all the personal information you have stored on your device and the security of your phone and other computing devices might be the single most important decision you have to make regarding your digital devices. Follow these simple steps to keep your device and information safe from unwanted third-parties.

Lock Your Screen

Really, it can’t be emphasized enough. You could use a complex set of finger swipes to ensure nobody can unlock your device. If your smartphone allows for fingerprint and face detection, use them. The old pin code is also a secure route if you keep it secret and unpredictable.

Note: Never use your birthday.

Battery

One way to ensure longer battery life is by disabling background apps from running when they are not in use. Another more important step is using batteries and chargers with the right manufacturer specifications.

Also, the optimum level to keep your smartphone battery is between 50% and 80%. Especially for lithium-ion batteries that are affected by temperature surges, short charges done at intervals are better than one long charge at day’s end.

Turn off Connections

If you are not using Wi-Fi or sharing information via Bluetooth, turn them off. The set of flaws in Bluetooth technology called BlueBorne put billions of devices at risk in 2017. This flaw allowed hackers to easily jump from one connected device to another, taking control of users’ smartphones to demand ransoms or even steal data.

Also, be careful when connecting to public hotspots at malls and other tourist sites. Hackers have been known to set up free hotspots to lure unsuspecting victims. Never join such spaces unless you trust the provider. Keep in mind, there’s no free lunch.

Be Smart with Apps

Not all apps are created equal. Some are just fancy and do nothing but drain your battery life. Others, like some flashlight apps, hack into your device to steal valuable personal information. Unless you need the app, either stop it from running in the background or simply uninstall it. Your life will be smarter.

To ensure you have the verified apps, make sure you only download from the Play Store or the App Store. The rigorous checks on both marketplaces reduce the possibility of installing a malware-infected app.

Antivirus

Although Google Play Protect saves you from downloading harmful apps, your smartphone could still be infected if you visit the wrong websites. Programmes like McAfee Mobile Security and Kaspersky Internet Security for Android help protect your device from attacks from such dubious sites.

Although iPhones seem to have better security features than other smartphones, refraining from entering information on sites that don’t have SSL certificates will save you from having sensitive information fall into the hands of fraudsters who sniff networks for unencrypted data.

Stay safe.