While smartphones have become an essential accessory of everyday life for many, a stolen phone can give the thief a doorway into your bank accounts and more. Smartphones hold all of your important data including your sensitive personal and financial information. The tips below can help you protect your device from thieves and other malicious actors.

1. Keep your phone locked

Set up a lock screen with a passcode, pattern, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Set your phone to lock when idle - the shorter the amount of idle time, the better.

2. Only connect to secure WiFi

Beware of WiFi networks that are not password protected. When using public WiFi, always connect to a virtual private or VPN to protect your location and private information.

3. Set secure passwords

Creating strong passwords makes it harder for a hacker to guess them. Create passwords including upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Do not use easy-to-guess information, such as your birthdate or your child's name.

4. Keep your phone's OS up-to-date

Regularly updating your device's operating system can enhance security and protect your device from newly discovered threats.

5. Beware of downloads

Only download apps from your official app store. Cybercriminals can easily create apps designed to steal your information. Always check app reviews, recent updates, and developer and app information to determine the legitimacy of an app before downloading.

6. Install anti-virus software

Anti-virus software is not just for computers. Installing anti-virus software from a trusted company on your phone protects your mobile device against viruses, malware, and hackers.