How to Enable Encryption on your Mobile Devices to Protect Data in Transit and at Rest

Enabling encryption on your mobile devices is essential for protecting data in transit and at rest. Here's how to enable encryption on iOS and Android devices:

1. Enable Encryption on iOS Devices (iPhone, iPad):

For iOS 11 and later:

1. Go to Settings > Touch ID & Passcode or Face ID & Passcode (depending on your device).
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Scroll down and find the "Data Protection" section.
4. Make sure that the "Data Protection" option is enabled. This ensures that your device's data is encrypted using your passcode.

For iOS 10 and earlier:

1. Go to Settings > Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode on devices with Touch ID).
2. Enter your passcode.
3. Scroll down and toggle on the "Data protection" option. This encrypts your device's data using your passcode.

2. Enable Encryption on Android Devices:

For Android 7.0 and later (Nougat and newer):

1. Go to Settings > Security > Encryption & credentials.
2. Select "Encrypt phone" or "Encrypt tablet."
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to encrypt your device. Note that this process may take some time and your device needs to be fully charged and connected to a power source during encryption.

For Android 6.0 and earlier (Marshmallow and older):

• Encryption may not be available on all devices running Android 6.0 and earlier versions. If encryption is available, it's typically enabled by default.

Best Practices for Mobile Device Encryption:

1. Set a Strong Passcode or PIN: Use a strong passcode or PIN to secure your device. Avoid using simple or easily guessable passcodes.

2. Biometric Authentication: If available, use biometric authentication methods such as fingerprint or face recognition in addition to a passcode for added security.

3. Regularly Update Your Device: Keep your device's operating system and security patches up to date to ensure that encryption algorithms and security features are current.

4. Enable Remote Wipe: Enable remote wipe functionality on your device so you can remotely erase data if your device is lost or stolen.

5. Use a Secure Connection: When transferring data over Wi-Fi or cellular networks, use secure connections such as HTTPS to encrypt data in transit.

6. Install Security Apps: Install reputable security apps that offer additional encryption and security features for protecting sensitive data on your device.

7. Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as they may pose security risks and expose your data to potential threats.

8. Enable Storage Encryption: Some Android devices may offer the option to encrypt the device's internal storage or external SD card. Enable storage encryption for added security.

By enabling encryption on your mobile devices and following these best practices, you can protect your data from unauthorized access and ensure the privacy and security of your sensitive information.