The Best Multi-Layered Security Stack for Your Mobile Phone

As technology has become more sophisticated, so too have hacking techniques. Nowadays, basic security measures don’t usually cut it. Instead, to fully protect your mobile phone, you need to get an advanced security system – ideally a multi-layered security stack.

Not sure what one of those is? Don’t worry. This article will explain exactly how multi-layered security works, why it’s so important to have, and which are the best security apps to download today.

What is multi-layered security?

There’s a lot on your mobile phone that a criminal wants to get their hands on. This might include:

  • Your exact location at the time (useful to know if they’d like to find out where your empty car is parked, or if your house is vacant)
  • Your personal details (so they can adopt your identity online)
  • Your passwords (so they can access protected areas, such as your bank account)

Of course, statistically it’s unlikely that your phone will be attacked by hackers, but it’s a wise idea to take precautions nonetheless.

A single layer of security (for example, a password to activate your screen) is relatively weak. Multi-layered security stacks offer several ‘walls’ of security – which means, if one form of security is breached, the hacker still has to get through several others to access your information.

Multi-layered security stacks protect your phone from malware or spyware. They prevent attack via email attachments, rogue apps, or adware. And they ensure that, like a fortress, your phone stays locked up tight against ‘invasion’.

Multi-Layered Security Stack

Best multi-layered security apps

Encrypting texts / calls. Stop hackers from reading your texts or listening to calls by downloading an app like Signal Private Messenger (Android and iOS). Its end-to-end encryption puts a stop to outsiders reading your private communications, and none of your data is stored on a remote server. Even better, this particular app is free to use.

  • Two-step authentication. Two-step authentication provides a powerful second layer of protection. The first step is usually a password, whereas the second step might be a token, which only you can access – this is the case with apps like Authy (Android and iOS). Authy protects against several threats, including password-guessing, malware, phishing and more; and it’s also completely free.
  • More secure connections. Everyone uses public Wi-Fi, despite the fact that we all know how vulnerable it leaves our phones to attack. Virtual private networks (VPNs) are a great way to get around this issue. An app like NordVPN (Android and iOS) uses 3,000 different servers across several countries, with ‘military grade’ encryption while you’re using the internet. It does cost money to use, but might be a worthwhile investment if you regularly use public Wi-Fi while you’re out and about.
  • Protecting against viruses. Many people don’t realise that they can get anti-virus software for their phones, as well as their laptops and desktop computers. An anti-virus app like Avast (Android and iOS) is free to use, and not only scans your phone for problems, but also includes a firewall, a call-blocker and a ‘remote locker’, which lets you shut down or lock your phone remotely if it goes missing.
  • Locating when lost. If the worst does happen, and your phone does get stolen or lost, an app that tells you where your device is can come in really handy. Find My Device (Android and iOS) shows where your phone is on a map, then lets you ring it, or send a message. If you suspect that the phone has been stolen, you can even use the app to wipe the device completely. Good news – it’s also free to download.
  • Password management. So many people use passwords that are worryingly easy to guess. Sometimes, all a criminal would need to do is look at your social media page, work out what your pet’s name is and when you were born, then use the information to figure out what your password is from that. A free password management app like LastPass (Android and iOS) generates strong passwords for you, saves them in a secure ‘vault’, then fills them in when you need them.

Taking mobile security seriously

No-one likes to think about their phone being hacked or stolen. However, it does happen, and incidents are on the rise. In addition to protecting your device with the right apps, getting a good insurance package is also worthwhile, as this covers you if the worst does happen.