Mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.) are more than a means of communicating, working, and playing. They themselves hold sizable stores of information, but also serve as gatekeepers to more lucrative data, such as financial, medical, and other personal information. Their portability and diminutive size makes them more susceptible to loss and/or theft than a desktop. If these devices go missing, it may cost you more than just the price of a new phone or laptop.

Safeguard your assets and your data

Smartphone security

  • Keep a pass code or a pattern on your phone. This simple solution helps safeguard your data from potential thieves. The more difficult the code, the harder it will be for a thief or nosy neighbor to be able to break into your phone. Consider how the smartphone has integrated so seamlessly into our daily life that we use them without conscious thought. Phone numbers are no longer memorized, pictures aren’t taken with a dedicated camera with a resulting physical picture, songs are downloaded instead of on CD. All of this data is accessible on your mobile device. How about passwords saved to websites? Want a stranger to have access to all of your stuff? Didn’t think so.
  • Enable Auto Wipe. This feature will erase all of the data on your phone and return it to the factory defaults when your pass code has been entered incorrectly a certain amount of times. Better that your data is wiped than letting it fall into the wrong hands.
  • Turn off your Bluetooth and Location Services when you are not using them. Leaving them on gives hackers access to both your location and conversations you may be having.

Tablet and laptop security

  • Use caution around “free” WiFi. Going to the coffee shop to work seems like a great idea, and why not? It’s peaceful and relaxing… but be careful using the free Wi-Fi. Hackers may attempt to spoof the network and perform “man-in-the-middle” attacks to steal your passwords and gain entry into your email, bank account, and more.
  • Use whole-disk encryption on your laptops to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Read the EULA (end user license agreement) for your software. We know they’re long and boring. They’re written by lawyers, of course they’re boring. But you could be allowing third-party applications access to your personal data- data you’d never agree to hand over if you had read the EULA. Some applications are just not worth the privacy invasion.
  • Watch for tag-along downloads. If you opt to download a program, double check that the vendor hasn’t tried to slip a second program in with the one you want.
  • Use anti-virus and anti-malware programs. Scan your system at least once a week to remove potential threats.

Remember to back up your data regularly. If your device is stolen, you will be able to use the backup to re-install your data to the new device.  Then change all of your passwords immediately. Always be cautious when using your mobile devices in public and do not leave them unattended.

If you or your business need help employing wide-scale mobile device security measures, contact Loyal IT for help. We provide customized security solutions designed to fit each client’s individual needs. Call or email us today for a free quote.