Five Mobile Phone Security Tips You Should Know
Chances are you take your mobile phone with you everywhere. It contains your address book, browser history and work information. There are family photos, the contents of your emails, all your text messages and possibly far more private, confidential data including banking and credit card information. Follow these mobile phone security tips to ensure it is secure!
Here are five mobile phone security tips that you should know. Whether you use an iPhone, Android, Blackberry or other smartphone, remember these tips.
- Use a password!
Use a strong password to access the device and additional, different passwords to access any applications that may contain personal (or business) information. Remember, the use of a password (or numeric PIN) prevents a thief from making unwanted calls and texts from your phone and from accessing your data. Note that some devices, such as an iPhone, allow an “auto-destruct” option. That is, if someone attempts the password incorrectly a specified number of times, such as 10, the phone – including all personal information – is wiped.
- Know your apps.
Make sure any apps you download come from a reputable app store. Do not casually hand over your location or address book – which many apps ask for or attempt to take without your knowledge. There have been a growing number of instances of malware on some Android apps. Consider purchasing a smartphone security software solution to protect yourself against malware and other attacks.
- Update your phone.
As with your Mac or PC, Smartphones have periodic updates. These may include the latest security patches and fixes the company has to offer. If you have an “app phone” such as iPhone or Android, remember to update your apps as well.
- Know your connection.
It is best not to use public, non-secured Wi-Fi. If you do use it, do not share any personal information while using Wi-Fi; do not make credit card purchases, perform any banking transactions, or access critical data remotely.
- Be mindful of what you store on your phone.
As you use your device for more and more tasks, it becomes easy to forget the variety and volume of information it contains. Work information, passwords, and credit card details. If you do keep these on your device, take advantage of secure wallet applications and other security tools available to securely protect them.
Bonus Security Tip!
Do not leave your device unattended. Remember, whether you acquired the device under a phone contract or paid for it upfront, most smartphones cost between $200 – $600. The devices themselves have value to the bad guys.
Now that you’ve got mobile phone security under control, consider securing your phone calls and text messages so that no one can listen in!
