Need help setting up my phone-firewall antivirus? (computer, iPhone, Android)
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Technophobe here. I had a serious medical event and was in hospital over night. I have a cat and was able to contact my friend who has a key, to care for her.
I do have a cell phone, a Samsung Galaxy tracfone. I detest it and never use it. Until now.
Keeping it short, I must keep all stress out of my life, but I'm now determined to learn how to use this stupid device, because a lot of people are yammering at me about getting it set up so I can be in contact if my health crashes again.
My question right now is about firewall and antivirus, if I put sensitive information on my phone. I've managed to figure out how to put my e mail accounts on the phone, and I'm getting a little better at the texting thing, and yesterday when a call came in there was a nurse with me and she showed me how to answer the call.
But I don't understand about the security stuff. I have McAffee on my computer and I always purchase a "multiple device" plan, so in case I have to replace the computer I don't have to worry about it, just add it. But do I have to put that on my phone too?
I just don't understand any of it.
Just one more thing. I know people can be mean and contemptuous to technophobes like me. I have to keep my stress at zero, so please, PLEASE no one give me a hard time here. I'm trying to learn, so I can be in touch with people, and, potentially stay on top of bills and things, if I have to be in hospital again.
My advice is to not put sensitive information in the phone in the first place if you haven't before and are concerned about it now. Place the phone in silent mode and periodically check for missed calls/text.
Don't worry about a virus scanner (McAfee or Norton for example) on the phone. It would be a waste of $ and effort on your part.
So sorry about your health issue! Glad you had a friend you trust to take care of kitty. Do you have a computer? Go to YouTube and view all the videos that pertain to your brand and type of phone. In the Search box on YT, type in the name and type of phone. There should be helpful videos showing you how to use the phone.
Disclaimer: I am not proficient in phones either so this is just advice from me personally. I have an iPhone and there are instructional videos on YT showing me how to use the features available.
Most websites you visit will create a secure connection with your device. To be sure, I have my browser configured to alert me if the connection is not secure. Having said that, email is popular with scammers and attackers. So use email safely whether you are on public wifi or not.
Most websites you visit will create a secure connection with your device. To be sure, I have my browser configured to alert me if the connection is not secure. Having said that, email is popular with scammers and attackers. So use email safely whether you are on public wifi or not.
Thank you All. Can you elaborate on the bolded? Do you mean, don't use e mail from the phone to send sensitive information?
Technophobe here. I had a serious medical event and was in hospital over night. I have a cat and was able to contact my friend who has a key, to care for her.
I do have a cell phone, a Samsung Galaxy tracfone. I detest it and never use it. Until now.
Keeping it short, I must keep all stress out of my life, but I'm now determined to learn how to use this stupid device, because a lot of people are yammering at me about getting it set up so I can be in contact if my health crashes again.
My question right now is about firewall and antivirus, if I put sensitive information on my phone. I've managed to figure out how to put my e mail accounts on the phone, and I'm getting a little better at the texting thing, and yesterday when a call came in there was a nurse with me and she showed me how to answer the call.
But I don't understand about the security stuff. I have McAffee on my computer and I always purchase a "multiple device" plan, so in case I have to replace the computer I don't have to worry about it, just add it. But do I have to put that on my phone too?
I just don't understand any of it.
Just one more thing. I know people can be mean and contemptuous to technophobes like me. I have to keep my stress at zero, so please, PLEASE no one give me a hard time here. I'm trying to learn, so I can be in touch with people, and, potentially stay on top of bills and things, if I have to be in hospital again.
I need help but I need kindness too. Thank you.
As a cybersecurity person - Firewalls and a/v for smartphones are usually unnecessary for your general use cases.
Both iOS and Android have firewall features built-in. They also sandboxes apps so that A/V isn't usually an issue. The caveat to that is if you jailbreak or root your phone and install customized apps (not something the general user will need worry about).
The use/browsing habits of the user is the bigger vulnerability.
The majority of your phone use is likely going to be in an app that connects to a cloud service/portal. So you often don't need to keep files locally (and this is a personal decision - IMO, why download/save anything if I don't have to).
It's crucial that the controls to access your phone/device is properly set. This includes enabling all the security access features such as a PIN, Facial recognition, fingerprint, etc. I'd also recommend setting up the wipe feature so that the phone will reset itself if authentication fails after x times.
Macroy is spot on.
Translation: You don't need a firewall on your phone.
Yes, of course there are risks to using a cell phone but these risks are far over blown.
If you have security set up on your phone, like a PIN to unlock it as Macroy said, it's really all you need. Your biggest security risk is losing the phone and having someone find it. NOT the phone getting 'hacked'.
Common Sense is your best defense. Only download apps you need from companies you trust. And avoid the porn sites.
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