Three Simple Ways to Protect Your Personal Info on Your Phone

(2 Minute Read) — At Unitus Community Credit Union, we want to help you protect your personal information wherever you go, especially on your phone.

Since our smartphones carry so much sensitive data—like account info, emails, and personal photos—keeping that information secure is essential.

Here are three easy tips you can use to stay safe: 

1. Enable Strong Authentication 

Your phone is like a key to your digital life, so make sure it’s locked down with strong security. Use features like fingerprint, facial recognition, or a solid PIN to keep out prying eyes. Biometric options are great because they add an extra layer of security that’s hard to duplicate. If your phone supports multi-factor authentication (MFA), that’s even better—this means you’ll need more than just a password to access sensitive accounts. 

2. Keep Your Phone and Apps Updated 

We all get those annoying reminders to update our apps or operating system, but those updates are critical for your security. Companies often find and fix vulnerabilities in their software, and updates help patch those holes. So, when you see an update pop up, take a moment to install it. Staying current helps you stay protected. 

3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi 

Free Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport can be convenient, but it’s risky. Public Wi-Fi is often unsecure, making it easier for hackers to steal your information. If you must connect, avoid accessing sensitive information like your bank accounts or making online purchases. Better yet, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and make it harder for anyone to intercept your data. 

Bonus Tip: Back Up Your Data Regularly 

If your phone is ever lost, stolen, or compromised, having a backup will save you a lot of stress. You can back up your data to the cloud or an external device, ensuring that important files, contacts, and photos are never lost. 

Protecting your personal info doesn’t have to be complicated! With just a few simple steps, you can keep your data safe and give yourself peace of mind. Whether you’re banking, browsing, or just texting friends, your security is in your hands. 

Stay safe, and remember, at Unitus Community Credit Union, we’re here to help keep your financial life secure!