If you've got your hands on one of the new BlackBerry Z10 smartphones, you are sure to have lots of plans for enjoying it – taking photos, listening to music, BBMing your friends, trying new apps, and generally enjoying all your new smartphone has to offer.

Protecting your new phone is vital, though, as it's an easy target for thieves, scammers, and viruses, all of which could bring your fun grinding to a halt. Thankfully, though, a few smart app downloads and a little bit of time is all it takes to ensure your phone is secure for years to come.

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Configure BlackBerry Protect

The first stop for any BlackBerry owner should be BlackBerry Protect, the free service run by BlackBerry that allows users to locate lost phones using GPS and remotely wipe the contents of the phone if necessary, lock it, and displays a message detailing how the phone can be returned.

Moreover, if you back up your data to the app, then it can also help when you upgrade, making moving all your data a breeze. The app can also make your phone ring loudly if you've just misplaced it, and wirelessly back up your data at daily, weekly, or monthly intervals.

Download NQ Antivirus Free For Blackberry

The next thing to consider is antivirus protection for your mobile, an area that is generally dominated by the big boys, with Kaspersky and McAfee both offering heavyweight mobile security suites with price tags to match. Thankfully though, just as in the world of PC security, there's a free alternative that does much the same thing.

Step forward NQ Antivirus Free, which protects you from trojans, malware, phishing, and viruses and doesn't ask a penny in return. What's more, it also offers back up and antitheft features, and is even able to remotely wipe the contents of your SD card.

Download AppLock Free For Blackberry

So, that's protection from thieves and hackers sorted, but what about your friend who “borrows” your phone and then starts BBMing all your contacts – or worse, is flicking through your images and comes across some images that you would rather not share!

The remedy for the first scenario is AppsLock, which allows you to password protect any app that's installed on your phone, including BBM, Facebook, Gmail and your texts. This app is almost universally loved by the BlackBerry community and it's easy to see why, with a great design and fantastic functionality.

Download Personal Lock Free for Blackberry

To restrict access to your photos, videos, and other files, you need Personal Lock Free, which allows you to password protect any file on your phone in order to keep it safe from prying eyes. The app has thousands of positive reviews from the BlackBerry community, and is a definitive must-have for BlackBerry owners.

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So there you have it, four apps that should keep your BlackBerry smartphone safe and secure for years to come.