PrivacyCase
One of the easiest and least technical methods of protecting the phone is to place it into a PrivacyCase which disables many of the connective features that allow for hackers and organizations to access the device. For example, while many people are aware that government organizations are able to remotely access the GPS, camera, and microphone of the device without the user knowing or even when the phone is off, few are familiar with what can be done to stop this from happening. With the PrivacyCase, users simply place their phone into the case which then stops all access from the device so that hackers and other organizations have no way to remotely access the contents of the device. Although expensive, it is now relevant more than ever in terms of cyber security and can even act as a protective case that is also waterproof. With versions for multiple phones or a single phone, the PrivacyCase is a highly recommended tool that should be used to counter mass surveillance and hackers from gaining access to confidential and private data.
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Folder Lock (iOS/Android)
In terms of an app-based solution that can help to protect the files that are stored on the device, Folder Lock password protects the selected file on the device so that even if the phone is lost or stolen, the data cannot be accessed. Functional for both large and small files, the app is extremely intelligent in protecting the files as users can get notification on suspicious activities regarding their files such as temporary unlocks or compromised data. Furthermore, users will also be given a notification if they unlock a file but forget to lock it again to ensure that files are never left unprotected for a long period of time accidentally. As the password is not stored anywhere, there is a very small possibility that it can be hacked or stolen, making Folder Lock one of the best tools that can be used for those who store confidential and private data on their mobile phones.
SSE – Universal Encryption App (Android)
Beyond simply being able to password protect files with Folder Lock, an added layer of file security involves encryption which is essentially converting information into code so that it cannot be accessed without being decrypted. With this, SSE – Universal Encryption App is a tool that encrypts files directly on the phone so that it can never be compromised. For example, some of the files that can be encrypted include text, emails, and passwords which ensures a secure location for the majority of information in a single place. Introducing advanced algorithms for the strongest possible security, users are able to keep their files on their phone with a high degree of peace of mind. As SSE – Universal Encryption App is available on desktop and web versions as well, the data that is encrypted on one location can be decrypted on another to make file transferring extremely secure. One of the most interesting features of the app is that it can also engage in steganography so that messages can be hidden in image files. With this, if a user needs to save a password or message on their phone, the app can convert it into an image and then decrypt it later in order to access it while the message remains hidden to everyone else.
Send Anywhere (iOS/Android)
One of the most vulnerable moments in storing files on the mobile device is during the transfer process, especially if it is being done through the internet which opens opportunities for intercepting the data. As a result, Send Anywhere is a recommended tool that secures this process. When sharing files without a cord, the app requires a 6-digit key which will then grant access to the files otherwise it would be locked. With this, even if the network is compromised during the file transfer process, the files will remain safe as a result of the passcode. Beyond this, sharing a file is made easy as it can be done through generating a link that can be shared with others. In order to further protect this process, the link is only live for a limited period of time before it is automatically broken and can no longer be accessed which limits the risk associated with sending data. In transferring files of any size that are confidential, Send Anywhere is a tool that should be utilized to ensure its protection.
Although mobile phones are continuously improving in their security measures to protect the files that are stored, there still exist many points of vulnerability that can lead to compromised data. As a result of the increase in surveillance and cyber-attacks that have occurred, the apps and tools listed in this article are highly recommended to ensure the greatest degree of file security in terms of the transfer, storage, and management phases.
