A few years ago laptops surpassed desktops as the primary computing device of choice. The move from laptops as the primary computing device to smartphones and tablets is taking far less time than the transition from desktops to laptops. As a result, a brand new target for attackers is growing at a steady rapid pace. The evolution of such powerful mobile devices raises a range of security concerns, some of which are familiar, while others present entirely new challenges As the consumer, user and primary target for this new class of threats, you should know five simple things that could help keep you and your family’s data safe while computing on mobile devices.
Enable the auto-lock feature and create a strong password
By default, phones and tablets don’t require you to lock them. Turning on the feature to lock your phone is fairly trivial and instructions can usually be found in your instruction manual. If your mobile device was purchased within the last few years, you likely have the option to increase your password size from the traditional 4 characters to something larger which is strongly suggested. Many opt out of this setting due for convenience but this is highly recommended against. Studies have shown that with commercially available software four character passcodes and be cracked in under 6 minutes.
Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth automatic connection
Taking advantage of the increased speed and performance of Wi-Fi on a mobile device is perfectly okay. The risk occurs when you do this on public connections and wireless hot spots. Once you connect to a public hotspot, anyone else connected to that hotspot can see any traffic coming from your phone that’s not encrypted. This feature is easily disabled or enabled on Android, Apple IOS and BlackBerry devices.
Install Anti-Virus
Most people outside of the IT/Security community I talk to aren’t even aware that they can receive viruses on their phones. Not only can you get a virus, malware for phones today is built to do one thing, steal your PII and valuable data such as contacts, call history, text messages and emails. Currently the most vulnerable mobile operating systems to viruses is the Android. The most recent release of malicious code for Androids is built to sit quietly on your phone while capturing all your banking credentials and account information. With that said, go to your application store on your mobile device and search for “anti-virus” and install at least one or two of the free ones as soon as you can. If you want to really go all out, McAfee offers a really good solution for about $20.
Enable Automatic Updates
Just like your computer or laptop, your mobile device is subject to security updates. Instead of deferring the update and possibly forgetting to go back any apply it, which many people do, apply the update as soon as your phone notifies you that one is available. Update sometimes are released to upgrade the software but what the vendor doesn’t tell you is that they are also fixing a number of know security flaws as well. The longer you go without those updates, the longer you will be vulnerable.
Apply Common Sense
When it comes down to it common sense is always important when discussing any security approach. Don’t leave your mobile device unattended. Report lost or stolen devices immediately to your service provider. Just like on your computer, be cautious when opening attachments in email, text messages and instant messages. Rule of thumb, if you don’t know the sender or you’re not expecting the attachment don’t open it without confirming the validity of the message with the sender. Know what you’re downloading. Make sure that you only download apps from reputable developers. Restore your device back to factory default prior to exchanging, donating or trashing it.
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