8 Smart Strategies To Protect Your SmartPhone & Tablet

It’s important to be proactive & protect your Smartphone and tablet. Failing to do so can leave your personal information vulnerable to cyber thieves and hackers. It’s possible that your personal information may be used to obtain credit, access bank accounts, make fraudulent purchases, gain entry into your company network & perhaps grant access to confidential trade secrets, and so on.

Here are some tips to help you if you need to review and/or update the security measures that surround your Smartphone or tablet, along with a few ideas on how to protect your personal information.

Technology is constantly evolving, making it even more important to stay current of new threat risks to your mobile devices. Below are a few ideas that you may find helpful. I’m sure there are many others that can be added to this list, and as technology evolves, I’m sure the list will grow.

Smartphone Security Tips

1. Set your phone to automatically lock when not in use. Leaving your phone unlocked is asking for trouble. If your phone or tablet is stolen or misplaced, keeping it locked will help protect your data. Some phones and devices can be configured to delete all stored data when an incorrect password is entered multiple times.

2. Use strong passwords and update them on a regular basis. Secure passwords include numbers, symbols, lowercase and capital letters. You should not use your name or other easily identifiable information such as a street address or birth date in your password. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts. It is also important to periodically update your passwords.

3. Beware of free open Wi-Fi hotspots. Configure your phone to only join networks you approve. Scammers & hackers sometimes set up free wireless networks in public places to lure users to log on. Joining the network could allow the scammer to track data going to and from your phone. Risk increases if your device has access to your Company network.

4. Keep your Smartphone software updated: Hackers are continually looking for new security flaws to exploit. Many software updates include important security patches that repair known flaws. Failing to update your software or apps may leave you vulnerable to hackers.

5. Location and anti-theft applications may help you locate a lost phone or deactivate a stolen phone. There are a wide variety of apps that help users locate a lost or stolen phone. Some apps allow you to delete data remotely or completely disable the device. Check reviews and specifications carefully and test the software before your phone is lost or stolen so you know how to use it when the time comes.

6. Only download reviewed and tested applications. Some apps and websites may include malicious software designed to capture your personal information. Read reviews and research new apps before installation.

7. Use encryption to protect sensitive information. If you use your phone or other mobile device for particularly sensitive business or financial communications, talk to your IT/IS professional(s) about using encryption to protect your data & company data.

8. Report your device as lost or stolen. In an effort to curb the rising rate of Smartphone theft, some mobile carriers track stolen phones and tablets. Tracking systems only work when thefts are reported. While you might not get your phone or tablet back, these systems can help disable the growing black market for stolen devices. You should also report any theft to your local police department & get a copy of the police report.

We hope you find these tips helpful, and if I can ever be of any service, please contact me via either of my websites below.

Thanks in advance & make it a great day.

Stephen C Esch, CIPM,CIPP/US,CITRMS

Identity Theft Protection & Full Restoration Services

Available @ www.idtheftmd.com

Business/Personal/Family/Employee Group Legal Access Plans

Available @ www.clickonthenet.com