Mobile Security

Keep your mobile operating system and apps up-to-date

LAST UPDATED: 06/23/2021 (CHANGELOG)

Skill Level

BEGINNER

Risk Level

LOW, MODERATE, HIGH

Time Cost

LOW

Financial Cost

FREE

Platforms

iOS Android

_IT SOUNDS MUNDANE, but one of your best lines of defense is to simply apply updates as soon as they become available. This is the simplest and most effective method you can use to keep your apps, and your phone’s operating system, resistant to malware.

These updates often contain fixes for security vulnerabilitiesA flaw in a software program that potentially opens up security or privacy holes. Check regularly for software updates that might address vulnerabilities. that attackers can exploit to listen in on your conversations, harvest your location data, or access other mobile data you’d like to keep private.

option 01

iPhone users:

Check for system updates (Settings>General>Software Update).

If you have an update available, run it. Plug into a power source first.

Check for app updates.

Navigate to the App Store application. On the bottom right navigation, select Updates. There, you will see if you have any available app updates.

When applicable, select Update All.

option 02

Android users:

Check for system updates.

Because there are many Android manufacturers and versions, your system updates may depend on which phone you have. Go to Settings, depending on your device, select About Phone, System Updates, Security, or System>Advanced. When you get to the relevant menu, check if you have available system updates.

Connect your device to a charger, and run your updates.

Check for app updates.

Navigate to the Play Store application. Tap the Options dropdown menu icon. Select My apps & games. There, you will see if you have any available app updates.

When applicable, select Update All.

Photo by Santeri Viinamäki. CC-BY 2.0

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