We often hear of the benefits of using smartphones, such as the apps, features, and capabilities that keep us connected, but we often encounter people who haven’t taken the proper steps to secure their smartphones. Here are some steps you can take to ensure your device isn’t tampered with.

Setup a Passcode or Password on Your Lock Screen
Android smartphones offer more options for the Lock Screen. You can setup a password (can be anything you want, but we strongly recommend 8 characters of uppercase, lowercase, and numbers. Write it down first. After a few times, you’ll easily remember it.
Alternatively, you can setup a pattern to unlock your phone.
Whether you’re putting your phone in your pocket, or your purse, or simply leaving it on your desk when you walk away for a brief moment, get in the habit of tapping the power button to lock your phone, and eliminate the chances of someone else using it, or accidentally pocket dialing.
On the iPhone, you can only set a 4 digit passcode by default, though you can change that. However, there is no option to create a security pattern, like you can on Android.

Antivirus For Your Phone
This isn’t something that many people seem to consider, or are even aware actually exists. We all have security or antivirus software on our computers, and given that our smartphones are nothing short of handheld computers, it’s important to have one on your phone as well. The iPhone doesn’t need one, but you should consider it for your Android device.
There are, of course, free options, including AVG, Avast, and LookOut. Our long-time favorite NOD32 (ESET Mobile Security) is available for under $10.
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Change Screen Time-Out Settings
It’s also worth pointing out you can change the length of time on the iPhone (and Android) on how much time will go by before the screen puts itself to sleep and the screen locks automatically.
If you have it set for 15 seconds, getting passed the Lock Screen every time can get annoying quickly. A better option might be 5 minutes. It’s easy to get caught up in conversations and not look down at your phone for a few seconds. 5 minutes is a bit more reasonable.
What are your thoughts on securing your Android or iPhone? What other settings would you recommend changing, or what apps do you use to secure your mobile device? We want to hear from you. Leave a comment below, on our Facebook page, or send us a tweet!