Always...
- Lock your phone. Adding a security code to your phone will prevent thieves from accessing your data. Also set your phone to lock automatically when not in use after a certain amount of time.
- Avoid unsecured networks. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter passwords or access any personal data.
- Beware of unknown links and apps. Do not download any apps or click on links in your email or social media pages without first researching the source. They main contain viruses, malware or spyware that can compromise your personal data.
- Delete “smishing” texts. Like “phishing”, “smishing” schemers often pose as banks or lottery sweepstakes asking customers to contact them immediately about a pressing issue that needs to be discussed. Do not reply and erase the message immediately.
- Log out of sites after you make a payment. If you bank or shop from your smartphone, log out of those sites once your transactions are complete. Other tips include not storing your usernames and passwords on your phone and avoiding transactions while you are on public Wi-Fi.
- Log out completely. Remember to log out completely of a web site or app once you have completed your activity.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® when not in use. You think of them as ways to connect to something, but thieves can use them to connect to your device and access files.
To better secure your phone...
- Update your operating system. Regularly updating your phone closes security loopholes and other backdoors that hackers can use to access your phone without your knowledge.
- Check your permissions. Check all of your apps to see what data they are accessing and revoke permissions for information those apps don’t need to properly operate.
- Install security apps that enable remote location and wiping. An important security feature widely available on smartphones, either by default or as an app, is the ability to remotely locate and erase all of the data stored on your phone, even if the phone’s GPS is off. In the case that you misplace your phone, some applications can activate a loud alarm, even if your phone is on silent. These apps can also help you locate and recover your phone when lost. Visit CTIA for a full list of anti-theft protection apps.
- Install Anti-Malware. Install Anti-Malware software on your mobile to help protect the device from viruses.
- Backup and secure your data. You should backup all of the data stored on your phone – such as your contacts, documents, and photos. These files can be stored on your computer, on a removal storage card, or in the cloud. This will allow you to conveniently restore the information to your phone should it be lost, stolen, or otherwise erased.
- Erase old phones completely. If you are selling, donating or recycling your old phone, ensure all your data is completely erased and the hone is returned to factory settings before letting it out of your possession.
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