Using smartphones smartly, cautiously

How smart are smartphones? A lot depends on the user or the owner of this gadget. To many, using smartphones has turned into an addiction and, in recent times, the addiction is proving to be far costlier than had been reckoned for. Speaking on the mobile while driving has often led to dire consequences. Small wonder that in West Bengal, errant drivers can now have their licences revoked and become disqualified. They also face a fine of Rs 1000 or imprisonment extending up to six months. This order was issued on the first of this month after 44 perished in Murshidabad when a bus crashed through a bridge and plunged into a lake because the driver was on the phone while at the wheel. There are, of course, jaywalkers who are always vulnerable. These include those walking by rail tracks or crossing them with the phone on their ears and their attention elsewhere. There are, of course, many more reasons to exercise caution and ensure that these phones which are assets to so many do not become sordid boons. For instance, apps are used daily on the smartphones; and, one should refrain from using unnecessary apps. Each app uses personal information gathered from the smartphone; therefore, it is crucial to install only apps that are used daily. Sensitive data must always be protected. Most smartphone platforms offer software to encrypt sensitive files and folders on any device. Industry-standard protection can secure sensitive files, passwords, login information and bank account information. It becomes onerous for anyone to access the encrypted information without a code if the device is lost or stolen. Public Wi-Fi ought to be avoided. Indeed, using public Wi-Fi may be a cheaper option to save on cell phone data, but is not a secure choice, as the device sends data across the open network, which is not secure. There are many threats associated with using public Wi-Fi. A malicious person may offer a free hotspot that looks like a genuine hotspot from a well-known company. Surely then, one can never be too careful. There must be back up facility for important contacts, messages, documents and emails from phones to encrypted account setup in a cloud. Mostly all devices have the option these days to automatically back up every night, which allows users to rest assured their data and information is saved regularly. As one keeps laptops and workstations secured by having anti-virus software monitoring the system for threats and alerts, the same method should be utilised for the smartphone devices. Cell phones are now used to complete many daily tasks, including bank transactions and booking flights. Since this small, smart device is used for almost everything, it must be managed smartly and kept secure at all times.