Mobile Security
Nearly everyone these days has a smartphone. What most people don’t think about is that a smartphone is basically a scaled down computer in their pocket. And as most of you probably already realise, computers are things to treat carefully when it comes to security and privacy. Unfortunately, phones rarely, if ever, get the same consideration.
Now with everyone using mobile devices more and more, security is becoming more of an issue. Not only that, but with so many people storing sensitive information on them, your phone can simply be stolen and your information extracted.
So what can you do about it? Well, as with computers, it comes down to exercising caution. There are many scenarios in which your phone can still be at risk, but here are some general guidelines to follow:
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If you have an Android phone, install an antivirus.
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Replace default PINs and passwords ALWAYS with something more secure
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Update your phone frequently. Updates will contain security fixes.
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Do research on an app before downloading it. Just because it’s from the store, doesn’t mean its safe.
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Don’t click on things that look suspicious or from people you don’t know. That includes links in e-mails and SMS messages.
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Don’t connect to everything because it’s “free”. By this, I mean things like “free Wi-Fi”. Anyone can connect to it, and ‘sniff’ your information from the Wi-Fi; including usernames, passwords and banking details if you choose to login while connected to the free Wi-Fi.
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Be wary of “free charging stations” in stores and airports as chargers can be modified to install software on your device in the background. So if it’s not yours, is an odd design or you can’t see the whole cable from wall to socket, don’t trust it.
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(Optional) Install remote locking and tracking software, especially if you’re prone to losing your device. It won’t just help you find it if the phone is on, if someone else has it, you can alarm them, provide a number to contact you and/or lock them out of your phone, from another PC.
To summarise, always put measures in place to secure yourself where possible, and always take care with how you use your device. If something is suspicious, leave it alone. And as always, if you are unsure of what to do or need more advice, don’t hesitate to contact your local IT professional.