1. Lock the screen
Use a PIN of at least six digits, a fingerprint or face unlock. If the phone is lost, a locked screen keeps strangers out of your bank and messages.
2. Install updates
Turn on automatic updates for the phone and apps. Updates close security holes that criminals use. A phone that no longer receives updates is worth replacing for banking.
3. Apps only from the official store
Install apps only from Google Play or the App Store, never from a link in an SMS or a call. Be especially careful with apps for “remote help” such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer — scammers ask you to install them to take over your phone.
4. Never share a verification code
WhatsApp, Viber, your bank and your email send codes by SMS. Whoever gets that code can take over your account — and then write to your friends asking for money in your name. Nobody legitimate ever asks you to read one out.
5 and 6. Backup and “find my phone”
- Turn on backup of photos and contacts (Google or iCloud)
- Turn on “Find my device” — you can locate, lock or erase a lost phone
- Write down where the backup is and who in the family can help