Mobile devices are increasingly becoming the targets of attack, especially as users continue to install apps that may compromise the security of the device.
Here are CMIT’s 10 recommendations for safeguarding your mobile device:
1. Become familiar with the security features of your phone or mobile device — security features vary between platform (IOS, Android, Microsoft) and manufacturer (Samsung, LG, etc.):
- Lock your smartphone with a PIN, password, swipe pattern, or fingerprint reader;
- Change PIN, password, or swipe pattern regularly;
- Turn off Remote Controls;
- Enable the Reactivation Lock (this will stop others from reactivating your device without your permission);
- Enable the SIM card lock;
- Review and turn off (delete) any unnecessary phone administrators;
- Don’t allow the installation of applications from unknown sources.
- Turn phone encryption on, including an external SD card if present;
- Subscribe to a mobile device management service;
2. Install phone and app updates as they become available;
3. Backup your phone regularly;
4. Activate phone tracking and remote wipe;
5. Only download apps from trusted sources (Google Play Store, Apple App Store);
6. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not using it (also conserves battery power);
7. Use a Password Manager such as LastPass to generate strong passwords and safely store them and other sensitive information for easy retrieval;
8. Understand how to check if you are on a secure connection;
9. Only enter your username, password and other sensitive information when on a secure connection;
10. Don’t click on email, don’t download attachments, don’t click links in text messages, and don’t click links or open files on MMS messages.
More Resources
CMIT Solutions of Stamford’s website has lots of great articles to help you manage your technology. Enter these keywords in the search box at the top of the page to get a list of articles:
– Password
– Lastpass
– Security
– Remote
– Updates
– Secure
