With the continued increase in the uptake of Smartphones you should consider the security issues. Smartphones are like mini computers. They have the ability to hold data which is accessible via email, a cloud based web app or some sort of internal or external memory storage.
Smartphones are valuable and you need to consider what would happen should your mobile device fall into the wrong hands. Here are five tips on how you can secure your Smartphone
Tip 1: Use Password Protection
It is easy to set password protection on your phone. It is most likely under your phones security settings. If you cannot find the option check online or your phone’s manual to see how to enable this. Most people password protect their computer but do not feel the need to for a mobile device however this is the first security step you should take.
Tip 2: Remotely Wipe Phone Data
After you have secured your mobile phone with a password or pass code you may still want to further protect the data stored on your phone with remote wipe. Remote wipe will wipe the data on your phone and restore all the factory settings. This is not something you would want to do unless you are certain you have lost your phone.
In order to set up remote wipe if you have an iPhone you will need to sign up for a paid account with MobileMe. Then you must set up your phone to enable the wipe should you need it. Android phones running 2.2 have remote wipe built in, but you will also need Exchange. Because remote wipe using Exchange can only be done by an administrator of Exchange a better option would be to use the Mobile Defense app. It’s a free app from the Android Marketplace which will allow you to perform the wipe from the Mobile Defense website.
If your phones uses Windows 7 phones it can be remote wiped using Outlook Web Access.
Tip 3: Do Not Save Sensitive Data
If you use your phone to access your internet banking or log in to all your favourite sites do not set your Smartphone to auto-remember passwords. Should your phone get lost or be picked up by someone else your account can be easily accessed.
Many people have their home and address stored on their phone this information could be used fraudulently if your phone was lost or stolen. However using a password or remote wipe tools, as described above, you can prevent your details being leaked.
Tip 4: Watch What You Click
Smartphones like computers can be affected by malware, computer viruses and phishing scams. If you receive a suspicious email or SMS do not click on any links, just as like you would on your computer. Phishing scams can be used to steal your passwords and important information and are often very cleverly disguised as being from your bank.
Tip 5: Be Careful What You Install
If you download or install a new app make sure it is from a trusted source. The benefit of Smartphones is that there are thousands of applications and games available to extend their functionality. Only use official app stores otherwise you may find some malicious code injected into your app which will pass a virus onto your phone.
