Smartphones are just as vulnerable to hackers as computers are. If you aren’t careful losing your smartphone may mean more than just a loss in contacts and phone numbers. We’re talking about all your social media accouts, imported documents, your emails, photos and messages. Here are 5 ways to protect your cell phone from mobile hackers:

1. LOCK YOUR APPS: Android allows you to encrypt all the data on your device. You’ll need the key in a password or PIN each time the device in is turned on to decode all the data. It may seem tiresome but if the phone gets into the wrong hands, there’s no way to access the data without a password or PIN.

2. DON’T USE UNKNOWN WI-FIs: As tempting as it might be, do not use any unknown Wi-Fi networks on your smartphone. Instead, invest in a good data pack from your mobile network service provider.

3. NO UNKNOWN APP SOURCES: Both Google Play and Apple App Stores have verified and scanned apps/games on them. But there are plenty of websites and mailers, which ask you to download an app from an unknown web link. Don’t. If the app is not available on the app stores, do not download and install it.

4. USE MOBILE SECURITY APP: If you browse websites and download content from the net to your smartphone, install an antivirus app on your mobile, like AVG and Avast. These will keep your mobile browsers safe from viruses and tell you which sites are safe to browse.

5. ALWAYS UPDATE YOUR PHONE: Under most circumstances, software updates came out because the company or app makers have found a security flaw and want to plug it. It is very important that you keep your smartphone’s OS and apps updated.