Smartphones, tablets, and laptops often access the public network and travel with us. As more of our data is being stored on it, there are some helpful security tips to own and operate a mobile device.
We will share what are essentials when choosing and using a mobile device.
Tip #1 SECURED ACCESS
Out of the gate, there are passwords, PIN codes, or fingerprints to unlock your device. Once opened, your online apps and storage accounts associated with the device are accessible, for example, iCloud, Google, Microsoft OneDrive, or Online Banking. Secure these applications are just as important as securing the device itself.
DEVICE SHOULD:
Devices have multiple ways to unlock, like using the pin, password, or biometrics (fingerprint or face recognition). It reduces your reliance on sole passwords.
A device is easier to use and often more secure when you can make purchases or download apps using a biometric rather than typing your password each time.
Access your online accounts with additional authentication, such as “two-factor authentication” (2FA). It requires you to enter a code from an app (or text message) on your phone to log into your account. It is significantly improving your account’s protection.
YOU SHOULD:
Set a screen-lock password, PIN, or other authentication method (such as fingerprint or face recognition) to unlock.
Set up strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Strong passwords are one of the best defenses. You can reduce the need to enter the passwords when using fingerprint or face recognition to unlock.
Secure online accounts with a strong password and turn on two-factor authentication.
Don’t re-use passwords across devices or accounts. You can use a password manager to help you remember different passwords for all your accounts.
Set up security questions that are hard to guess. Ensure that your answers can’t be easily guessed by people who know you or found out from your social media posts.
Tip#2 KEEP CURRENT
Protect your device by keeping it and its apps up to date. Manufacturers often make it simple to do this.
DEVICE SHOULD:
The device should automatically check and receive updates regularly to protect it from the latest threats.
Is it time to buy a new device?
Manufacturers will eventually stop providing updates for older devices. Is it still supported? For how long?
How easy is it to update applications that you’ve installed through your devices’ built-in ‘app store’?
YOU SHOULD:
Enable automatic updates on your device. Let your device prompt you when updates are available.
Check regularly to see if new versions of the installed apps are available in the App Store.
Keep your devices and apps up to date for new features and security improvements.
Tip#3 SECURITY AND PRIVACY
KNOW THE SECURITY AND PRIVACY FEATURES OF YOUR DEVICE
DEVICE SHOULD:
In general, newer devices have better security features than older ones, and more recent software is better than older ones. Therefore, looking for a new device running the latest version of the software.
Find out the security features your device has.
YOU SHOULD:
Keep your device up to date for the latest device security technologies.
Know the USB or Bluetooth devices you’re connecting with.
Developer mode, debug mode, or ‘jailbreak’ or ‘root’ your device is often disabling the security features of your device.
Don’t disable any of the security features that come with your device. Do not allow arbitrary accesses when installing applications.
Tip#4 DETECTING AND PREVENTING MALWARE
The apps and games installed on your device could be malicious and used by hackers to try and steal your data or harm your device. You should take steps to prevent malware from getting onto your device.
DEVICE SHOULD:
Devices featuring a built-in App Store that contains only the safe apps to install and use.
If you would install apps without using the app store, it will be helpful for a device featuring built-in Anti-malware apps. Anti-malware apps can prevent malicious apps from installation.
Devices that will notify and ask you to permit or deny the access of your data, like your photo, calendar, or contacts, of an application.
YOU SHOULD:
Only get apps from the device’s App Store. If you decide to get apps from outside the App Store, then ensure you have antivirus or anti-malware installed to stop malicious apps from getting onto your device.
Review the permissions that apps ask for. Only allow the app access to your data if it makes sense.
Tip#5 PROTECTING YOUR DATA
Your device should come with the default encryption option to protect your onboard or removable storage in case if it’s lost or stolen (or if you sell it.)
DEVICE SHOULD:
Devices should support encryption of sensitive personal data, including messages, email, calendar appointments, photographs, and videos, and have encryption enabled by default. It ensures your data is protected as soon as you start using the device.
Devices that support hardware encryption. This makes it much harder to steal the encryption keys and harder for attackers to steal data.
YOU SHOULD:
Turn on the internal and removable storage encryption.
Use the “Factory reset” feature to delete all your data before you dispose of your device. Don’t forget to wipe or remove the removable storage.
Tip#6 Tip#6 INTERNET SAFTY
Many technologies protect your data when you connect to the Internet or when the apps installed on your phone connect to online services. You should check the built-in technologies of your device.
DEVICE SHOULD:
Devices with an up-to-date browser, or install a reputable browser from the built-in App Store.
Choose apps that make public statements about encrypting all their data safely in the app’s privacy policies.
YOU SHOULD:
Look for the padlock symbol when making transactions on the Internet.
Make sure that you’re using the legitimate website of the company you’re trying to visit when banking, shopping, or any time you type in passwords or payment details.
Avoid using the links in the email or advertisements. Enter the Website’s addresses or from search engines.
Take caution in using public Wi-Fi networks and a network you don’t fully trust.
Disable any services and uninstall any apps you don’t intend to use to prevent data leaking through these routes.
Tip#7 DAMAGE CONTROL
If your device is lost or stolen, you will want to try and locate it or remotely erase the data. Manufacturers often provide websites where you can check the location of your lost device and then lock (or erase) the device remotely.
DEVICE SHOULD:
Manufacturers that include an online service to locate lost devices. Devices can then be remotely locked or wiped.
Devices that can automatically backup your data online. If your device is lost or stolen, you can still wipe the device and recover it from your backup data.
YOU SHOULD:
Turn on the anti-theft features on your device immediately. Know how to locate, lock or wipe your device.
Turn on automatic backup if it’s available.
Set a PIN on your SIM card to stop a lost or stolen device from making calls.
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Susie Chow – ITensure
Call/Text: (714) 633-9454
