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6 Ways to Keep Your Mobile Phone Secure

Phone security tips
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Did you know? Keeping your phone's operating system updated helps protect you from the latest security threats.

 

 

4. Download Trustworthy Apps Only

A malicious app can put your mobile phone at risk, so make sure any app you download comes from a reliable source. Limit your app selections to highly rated, well-known developers.

If you have an Android device, the best practice is to download apps only from the Google Play Store. An iPhone's settings won't allow you to download apps from anywhere except Apple's App Store.

 

5. Beware of 'Smishing'

Smishing is a type of scam using text messages. With smishing, fraudsters send text messages to your phone that look like they're coming from a credible source. In these text messages, fraudsters try to trick you into sharing personal financial information like your password, bank account, or credit card number. Get more information about how to identify and avoid smishing attempts.

 

6. Stay Off Open Wi-Fi Networks

Connecting your phone to the Internet via public Wi-Fi is a risky move, especially for mobile banking or any other use that involves sensitive personal or financial information. Even if the open Wi-Fi network requires a password for access, the connection is still not secure. Your best bet is to stick with the connection you get through your mobile provider's data plan for these kinds of transactions.

You can add more protection by installing an app to set up a virtual private network, which will encrypt and remove the personal identifiers of the data you transfer.6 Your smartphone is a handy and valuable tool. Make sure you keep the treasure trove of data you store on it secure.


Enroll in Credit and Identity Protection Services

As a Synovus Plus, Synovus Inspire, or Synovus Private Wealth customer, you can enroll in complimentary Credit and Identity Protection services. With this service, Synovus will monitor your credit reports and notify you any time any changes are made. Synovus will also scan the web to make sure your personal information hasn't been compromised by checking websites, blogs and peer-to-peer networks. Synovus also offers full-service identity restoration if you become a victim of identity theft.

Want to know more about how you can achieve peace of mind as a Synovus customer? Learn more.

Important disclosure information

This content is general in nature and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment advice. You are encouraged to consult with competent legal, tax, accounting, financial or investment professionals based on your specific circumstances. We do not make any warranties as to accuracy or completeness of this information, do not endorse any third-party companies, products, or services described here, and take no liability for your use of this information.

Diversification is no guarantee against market loss.

  1. Apple, "How to turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud," updated July 27, 2023, accessed February 20, 2024.

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  2. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. "Understanding Patches and Software Updates," published February 23, 2023, accessed February 20, 2024.

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  3. Lance Whitney, “How to Back Up and Restore Your iPhone," PC, updated August 23, 2023, accessed February 20, 2024.

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  4. Apple, "Check your iCloud storage on any device," accessed February 20, 2024.

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  5. Wired, “How to Back Up Your iPhone," updated September 21, 2023, accessed February 20, 2024.

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  6. "Are Public Wi-Fi Networks Safe?," Consumer Trade Commission, published February 2023, accessed February 20, 2024.

     

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