Protecting your Smartphone

Protecting your Smartphone

As a busy professional, one of the most important weapons in your arsenal is your smartphone.  It contains all your contacts, provides a tether to the Internet, and can help guide you to your next appointment.  While your smartphone is your lifeline to the rest of the world, it also leaves you vulnerable to thieves and hackers.  By following these tips, you can minimize your risk:

  1. Password-protect your phone.  This will eliminate most attempts to access data on your phone should you temporarily (or permanently) lose the device.
  2. Read reviews of apps before installing them.  New or un-reviewed apps can harbor security and privacy issues.
  3. Limit access to your personal data by apps.  Sometimes a “harmless” app masks one that will regularly gather personal and/or sensitive data from your device.
  4. Clean up applications regularly.  Many apps maintain an open connection to contact lists and other data on your phone.
  5. Don’t answer unknown calls or texts.  These can be related to phishing schemes.  When in doubt, search the web for the number to see if it’s related to any sort of scam.
  6. Close browsers when you’re finished.  Occasionally, a mobile site can remain open indefinitely, leaving you vulnerable if you’re logged in to your bank or email.
  7. Verify updates with the company.  Never trust an “update” link sent via email.  Hackers use phishing techniques like this to gain access to sensitive information like passwords.

By following these tips, you can keep your most sensitive data secure and thieves and hackers at bay.