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How to protect your mobile

Smartphones contain all kinds of data that attackers covet, and most people carry their smartphones with them all the time. So, protect yourself – protect your smartphone against viruses, trojan-horse programs, unauthorized access and overly curious apps. Here you find six important tips to protect your smartphone.

1. Updating your software and using protection software

Always keep your smartphone's software up to date. In addition to offering new functions, updates address current security issues and thus guard against attacks.

For added protection, install security software. Such software is available from a number of different providers. Deutsche Telekom, for example, offers a security solution that stops threats while they are still in Deutsche Telekom's mobile network.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Open “Settings”. Then tap “General”.

This is how it works on iOS devices

To check for and install updates, tap "Software Update." Your smartphone will then automatically search for updates.

Attention: Due to the high number of different manufacturers, the instructions for Android devices may differ from the actual settings of your mobile device.

This is how it works on Android devices

Open "Settings."

This is how it works on Android devices

Tap "Software update."

This is how it works on Android devices

Tap "Download updates automatically." Your smartphone will then automatically search for updates.

2. Locking the touch screen

Activate auto-locking of the touch screen via a passcode, a PIN, a pattern, or a fingerprint on your smartphone. Always enter your PIN or pattern in such a way that nobody can see what you are typing.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Open “Settings”. Then tap “General”.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Tap „Touch ID & Code“ or „Face ID & Code”.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Now you can activate a passcode.

Attention: Due to the high number of different manufacturers, the instructions for Android devices may differ from the actual settings of your mobile device.

This is how it works on Android devices

Open "Settings."

This is how it works on Android devices

Tap "Lock screen and security."

This is how it works on Android devices

Now select „Screen Lock Type”.

This is how it works on Android devices

Now you can activate a PIN, password, or pattern.

Tip: Protect the SIM card

In addition to the display lock, a SIM lock is also recommendable. It protects you against unauthorised persons removing the SIM card from a device with an activated display lock and misusing it in another device.

  1. Select "Settings".
  2. Go to "Mobile Service". 
  3. Continue to "Select SIM card".
  4. Click on "SIM PIN". 
  5. Then click on "Activate SIM PIN".
  1. Select "Settings".
  2. Go to "Security and privacy".
  3. Click on "More security and privacy".
  4. Then click on "SIM lock".
  5. Then activate "Lock SIM".

Note: For Android smartphones, the settings may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

3. Restricting and disabling location services

When location services are active, your smartphone "knows" your location and forward it to apps, subject to your consent. While location services can make sense with some apps – such as navigation apps – they certainly should not be used with all apps. Check which apps are allowed to use location services switch them off completely.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Open “Settings”. Then tap “General”.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Tap "Privacy."

This is how it works on iOS devices

Tap "Location Services".

This is how it works on iOS devices

Now you can disable location services for selected apps.

Attention: Due to the high number of different manufacturers, the instructions for Android devices may differ from the actual settings of your mobile device.

This is how it works on Android devices

Open "Settings."

This is how it works on Android devices

Tap „Location“. Now you can disable location services for selected apps.
If this option is not available on your device, do as follows:
1. Select “Apps” in the Settings.
2. Go to “App Permissions” or “Permissions”. It might be necessary to click on the menu in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Location”.
4. Now you can select and unselect certain apps.

By the way

Use the "Find my iPhone" (iPhone) and "Find My Mobile" (Android) functions to locate your smartphone when you have lost it. To do this, you must activate location services. Be sure to disable any location services that you do not explicitly need.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Open “Settings”. Then tap “General”.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Tap "Privacy."

This is how it works on iOS devices

Tap "Location Services".

This is how it works on iOS devices

Tap "System Services."

This is how it works on iOS devices

Activate "Find My iPhone."

Attention: Due to the high number of different manufacturers, the instructions for Android devices may differ from the actual settings of your mobile device.

This is how it works on Android devices

Open "Settings."

So funktioniert es bei Android-Geräten

Tap "Lock screen and security."

This is how it works on Android devices

There you will find "Find My Mobile".

This is how it works on Android devices

Activate "Find My Mobile."

4. Only switch on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth manually only if necessary

Disable wireless connections such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you do not need them. This lowers your device's vulnerability to cyber-attacks.

PUBLIC HOTSPOTS: Be cautious in public hotspots. Where possible, use such hotspots only via secure connections (https). In Deutsche Telekom's hotspots, use the available VPN (German) if possible.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Open “Settings”. Then tap “General”.

This is how it works on iOS devices

Find "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth."

This is how it works on iOS devices

Disable both via their on/off toggle switches.

Attention: Due to the high number of different manufacturers, the instructions for Android devices may differ from the actual settings of your mobile device.

This is how it works on Android devices

Open "Settings."

This is how it works on Android devices

Tap "Connections."

This is how it works on Android devices

Disable both via their on/off toggle switches.

5. Secure your own hotspot

If you use your mobile phone as your own mobile hotspot, only activate this function as required and then deactivate it again. Also protect your connection with a strong password of your choice (instead of the password preset by the manufacturer). You can find tips for a secure password here.

  1. Select "Settings". 
  2. Tap on "Personal Hotspot".
  3. Then on "Wi-Fi Password".
  1. Select "Settings".
  2. Click on "Network and Internet". 
  3. Then on "Hotspot and tethering".
  4. Click on "Switch Wi-Fi hotspot on/off".
  5. Then click on "Hotspot password".

Note: For Android smartphones, the settings may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer.

6. Share files securely with AirDrop and Quick Share

With AirDrop (iOS) or Quick Share (Android), you can quickly share photos, videos and other files directly with other nearby devices. You can protect yourself by enabling data sharing for contacts only.

As a general rule, only activate such a service when you need it and switch it off immediately after use.

  1. Select "Settings".
  2. Open the "General" menu item.
  3. Continue to "AirDrop".
  4. Then click on "Contacts Only".
  1. Select "Settings".
  2. Go to "Connected devices".
  3. Continue to "Connection preferences".
  4. Select "Quick Share" there.
  5. Select "Who can share with you".
  6. Click on "Contacts".

Note: For other Android smartphones, the settings may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer.

FAQ