As the world becomes mobile-reliant, security remains the main issue at hand, especially with the increase in the data
being shared and kept online through cloud services and on the device itself. In fact, with the widespread adoption of BYOD (bring your own device) in offices, keeping your mobile secured and safe became the main concern of most institutions. Based on the research by Gartner, information security (mobile devices and others) will remain as one of the highest business expenses in 2015. Apart from IT security, there are some steps that you can do yourself to decrease the chance of mobile threat exposure.
Based on the data from Intel, there are about four billion mobile phones globally, where seven billion have tablets. However, the research revealed that 32 percent believes that they don’t need security applications and software to keep their devices safe. However, what can you do when your mobile was stolen or lost? Or when company details have been hacked and revealed online? Tom Mullen of O2 wrote that it’s best to have “a clear plan for incident management” and approach security from every angle with different solutions next time. How do you keep your smartphones and tablets safe?
Kyle Albert is a self-proclaimed technology and mobile expert, who shares most of his ideas online through his blogs and social media pages. He believes that mobile innovations will remain on top of the technology industry, especially with the revelation of wearables. For more tips, follow Kyle’s blog.
being shared and kept online through cloud services and on the device itself. In fact, with the widespread adoption of BYOD (bring your own device) in offices, keeping your mobile secured and safe became the main concern of most institutions. Based on the research by Gartner, information security (mobile devices and others) will remain as one of the highest business expenses in 2015. Apart from IT security, there are some steps that you can do yourself to decrease the chance of mobile threat exposure.
- Activate the 4-digit passcode
Given its portable size, its more difficult to secure mobile devices from being stolen or lost. The initial step that the perpetrator will do is to unlock your device. Given that you have a 4-digit pass , it will be difficult for them to access your gadget or any information on your handset easily. It’s best to create a combination of numbers that doesn’t have any connection to you. In that way, no one can easily guess it.
- Install security apps
In case your device falls into the wrong hands, the next step is to make sure your saved files and browsing information are kept safe from being hacked. It’s best to install applications that can easily wipe all the data on your phone instantly. Some apps also allow you to remotely access your handset’s features such as the front and back camera, GPS location, as well as the last call and text message sent and received to locate your handset instantly.
- Always keep your operating system updated
Never miss any system update that prompts on your device, as it can keep your device safe from threats such as viruses, malware, etc. that comes from installed apps and infected emails and websites. In addition, system updates always come with the latest security features that guarantees extra protection to your gadget. Similarly, it will also pay off to keep your security app always updated.
- Turn off all connections when not in use
Hacking and phishing have become normal cyber threats in today’s world. Usually, they access the device via online connection (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G or 4G data connection). It’s best to turn off these connections when not in use, or avoid accessing public hotspots. If you’re away from your home or office where you have a secured Wi-Fi, you can maximize your data connection since network providers offer encrypted internet service.
- Never click on links or attachments from unknown senders
It’s been the same old rule to keep your information and files safe – avoid unsolicited emails or text messages (SMS or MMS), as it leads you to a page or a data with viruses. Today, hackers are wiser as they make their emails or messages appear legitimate with shortened URLs or with QR codes. It’s best to have a URL preview site to allow you to see the complete web address. For QR codes, use QR readers that let’s you view the embedded web address.
Based on the data from Intel, there are about four billion mobile phones globally, where seven billion have tablets. However, the research revealed that 32 percent believes that they don’t need security applications and software to keep their devices safe. However, what can you do when your mobile was stolen or lost? Or when company details have been hacked and revealed online? Tom Mullen of O2 wrote that it’s best to have “a clear plan for incident management” and approach security from every angle with different solutions next time. How do you keep your smartphones and tablets safe?
Kyle Albert is a self-proclaimed technology and mobile expert, who shares most of his ideas online through his blogs and social media pages. He believes that mobile innovations will remain on top of the technology industry, especially with the revelation of wearables. For more tips, follow Kyle’s blog.
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