Smartphones have made it so that you can conduct your financial business from the palm of your hand, without accessing a bank or even a computer. Some people store financial information such as online banking information, log-in information, passwords and credit card details, on their phones. Needless to say, it is understandable for users to want to implement preventative measures in the event the phone is stolen or online vandals attack.
There are several apps that are available from both the Android and the iPhone markets that will help to protect your data and give you added peace of mind. Everyone who owns an iPhone or Android should have at least one of these apps installed on their phone.
Android Apps
Lockout Mobile Security: This is a very popular app that will scan your phone for malicious apps as well as backup and restore your personal data. It can even track your phone if you lost it or someone stole it. The basic protection package is free, but if you purchase the premium package you get something similar to anti-virus protection, which protects your phone while you are surfing the internet on your phone.
Privacy Inspector: This free program helps users to see which apps are accessing personal data and it presents the findings in a very user-friendly, easy to understand way.
Webroot Security: This is another anti-virus company that offers protection while surfing the net. This is a paid app. In addition to the anti-virus protection, there are other features such as tracking the phone if it is stolen and a function that is similar to Privacy Inspector.
Loky: This app hides and protects your data in a secret section of your phone and this locked-down section can only be accessed using a secure PIN that you choose. A free trial version is available but the paid version unlocks all of the app’s capabilities.
SeekDroid: This is a locator app that is simple yet effective. You must sign up for an account at the SeekDroid website, but after you have signed up you can track your phone from any computer if it is ever stolen. In addition, you can also see who the culprit has been calling. If you feel you will not get the phone back you can also wipe the device clean.
iPhone Apps
Many users of Apple products assume that they are free from security risks because of the low volume of malicious content for the iOS platform. However, iPhone users are still susceptible to certain threats, especially when accessing webmail accounts. Simply clicking on a bad link and entering personal information in a phishing attempt can cause a compromise. Listed are some apps that you can install that will lessen the likelihood of that occurring.
Webroot SecureWeb Browser: This app helps to block malicious sites. Results from search engines are marked to show which are safe to click on.
VirusBarrier: This app was created by a Mac security firm and it scans the iPhone, iPod Touch as well as the iPad for viruses and any other content that can compromise your security.
Lookout Mobile Security: This app does not have an anti-malware function but it does warn users about any unsecured networks. In addition, the app will back up data, remotely wipe data from any lost or stolen devices, checks whether the phone has been jailbroken or if there are any location-tracking services attached.
GadgetTrak: This cool app can actually take a picture of the person who is using your iPhone and email it to the registered email address on file. In addition, it will send the location of the phone as well.
Splash ID: This is a password manager that stores sensitive information such as passwords and account numbers. This information is locked with a master password.
There are so many great apps in both the Android market and for iPhone users that can provide added layers of security. This will help to ensure that any financial information stored on the phone will not be easily accessed by any vandals.
Guest author Donald Kyte is a personal finances guru and freelance blogger writing for paydayloan.org.uk.