Take a moment to think about how much time you spend on your smartphone and/or tablet. If you are like most people, a large portion of your life is on these mobile electronic devices. Personal data, including usernames, passwords, photographs, emails, texts and financial information, are on these devices. Just as important is the fact that work-related data is also on smartphones and tablets to boot. The solution is not to scrap mobile devices simply because they pose risks. Mobile devices are essential to get work done, especially for those who travel to make a living. Here are tips from our computer solutions team in Tulsa, OK on how to secure these mobile devices:
Software Updates Help
Update your mobile phone’s operating system and apps on your smartphone or tablet. These updates are essential to implement security corrections. Software updates should be downloaded the day they become available. If you have any questions or concerns about such updates, our computer solutions team in Tulsa, OK is here to help.
Establish Passwords
Passwords are essential to prevent unauthorized parties from using your smartphone or tablet. If your mobile device is not protected with a passcode, those who obtain your device will be able to access all your data. If possible, use a long alphanumeric password. Once the password is set, turn on the mobile device’s auto-lock function. Set this function to the shortest possible time frame. In general, a couple minutes is ideal. This feature will save battery life and reduce the chances someone will find the phone when it is in power on.
Understand the Risks Posed by Public Wi-Fi
Be cautious when surfing the web on a public Wi-Fi connection. Such a public connection opens the door for others to watch what you do online and capture your data.
App-Savvy Mobile Device Users Enjoy Reduced Risk
Install trusted and respected apps from legitimate app stores like Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. Every mobile device user should be aware of the fact that it is possible to load apps with malware that infect the device and pilfer data. Avoid third-party app merchants as there is a heightened chance they will host malicious apps marketed as popular real apps.
Turn on Wiping and Remote Location
Stopping someone from collecting your sensitive information should be one of your top priorities when using a mobile device. The use of the “kill switch” that makes it more difficult to wipe and subsequently resell a stolen smartphone is partially attributable to the reduction in smartphone thefts. If your mobile device is stolen or lost, tracking apps will tell you where it is located. Such apps also make it possible to wipe sensitive or other important data in a remote manner. Think of remote wiping like a factory reset. It erases all the information on the tablet or smartphone.
Invest the Time Necessary to Read Permissions
Do not blindly accept app terms and conditions. If the app accesses the mobile device’s microphone, camera, contacts or other features/information, question why.
Be Smart
If you receive shady text messages from unknown parties, delete it. Do not click on unknown phone numbers or links. Keep in mind if you fall prey to a mobile device scammer, you could end up locked out of your device and extorted for money.
At JMARK Business Solutions, we provide computer solutions in Tulsa, OK. If you need assistance with IT, network management and support, digital security, cloud computing or data backup management, we can help. Give us a call to schedule an initial consultation.
