Windows Phone 8 is secure by design. Many security features are turned on by default. For example, apps you download from the Windows Phone Store are tested by Microsoft and encrypted to make sure you don’t accidentally install malicious software on your phone. Other security features, such as device encryption, can be turned on by your employer via a company policy.

There are also a number of ways that you can help keep your information safe and your phone healthy. Here are some easy things to consider doing:

Put a lock on it

To help prevent someone from using your phone without your permission (making phone calls, reading your email, and so on), it’s good to use a password or Personal Identification Number (PIN). Check out the Lock screen FAQ for details.

Set up Kid’s Corner

If you’ve ever handed your smartphone to a child, you know that they can quickly get into all sorts of apps and settings they shouldn’t. No such worries with Kid’s Corner, a place on your phone where your child can play with the games, apps, music, and videos you add there, but can’t get to the rest of your stuff. To learn more, see Set up Kid’s Corner.

Back it up

Windows Phone 8 can automatically save your phone settings, text messages, photos, and videos to the cloud so you’ll have a backup if something happens to your phone. For details, see Back up my stuff.

Use the free Find My Phone service

Whether your phone is lodged between couch cushions or left in a taxi, misplacing it is a drag. But setting up Find My Phone can help. From your browser, you can ring your phone, find it on a map, lock it, or even erase it. You can also send your contact info (or another brief message) to show on the lock screen, just in case some kind soul has found it. This “set it and forget it” step is great for your peace of mind.

To map your phone’s location, you must turn on location services on your phone. For more info about how to do this, see Location awareness and my phone. Note that the option to find your phone on a map is not available in all countries/regions. 

Say yes to updates

Your phone is designed to work better when it’s running the latest software updates from Microsoft and your phone manufacturer. When you see a notification on your phone that an update is available, download and install it. See How do I update my phone software? for more information.

Via Windowsphone