Millions of people are now using smartphones for mobile web browsing, social networking and email while they’re away from home but how many of them give a thought to security issues? With that in mind, here are the top 5 smartphone security tipsto protect your personal data and stop you falling victim to viruses and other malware.
The first thing to do is to set up a PIN code or password so no one can access your phone if you leave it unattended or lose it.
What if you can’t find your phone? This is where the second of the top 5 smartphone security tips comes in. Whether you’ve simply misplaced it or think it’s been stolen, software is available to remotely locate, lock and wipe your phone. While it might not help you to retrieve it, you will still have peace of mind knowing that no one else can access your personal data. If you’re sure that your phone has been stolen, you can also lock it with a PIN or password even if you hadn’t done so prior to the theft.
Many people inadvertently leave their smartphone’s Bluetooth discovery mode turned on all the time (often it’s switched on by default). The next of the top 5 smartphone security tips therefore is to disable the discovery mode. If you don’t, you will advertise your phone’s existence to every other Bluetooth-equipped device within thirty feet, potentially resulting in unauthorised access to your phone.
Similarly, you should also think twice about using your smartphone to connect with a Wi-Fi hotspot in a public place because again this kind of shared, unsecured connection can leave you open to having your personal data stolen.
The final of the top 5 smartphone security tips relates to mobile apps. With such a wide range of cheap or even free apps available, many people simply load everything that takes their fancy. The problem with that is that some apps are a source of malware so it’s best to exercise caution and only use ones where you can be sure the developer is a reputable app maker.
