Mobile Device Security

With so many people now using smartphones, iPhones, laptops and notebooks, attention to cybersecurity is becoming even more important for your personal and business security. 

The recent release of the Apple iPhone 4S which sold over 4 million units in a single weekend. (Forbes 17 Oct 2011) is a good example of the scale in quantity of these devices around now, In 2010, there where 3 Million Tablets and 94 Million laptops connected to the mobile network alone and the US gov is projecting 788 Million mobile internet users by 2015. With these huge numbers of devices, it is no wonder criminals are targeting them.

Whether we are at work, or on-the-go, it is our responsibility to protect the information (and the devices) that we use in our daily lives. 

Here are a few quick reminders about mobile device security that need to be shared and remembered:

Keep a clean machine:  Make sure your mobile device is operating the latest software.  Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.

Protect your personal information:  Make passwords long and strong: Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to create a more secure password.  Also, separate passwords for every account helps to thwart cybercriminals.

When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it's best to delete it.

Connect with care:   Be smart about Wi-Fi hotspots -- limit the type of business you conduct on a public network, refrain from connecting to generic networks, and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your machine.

Download with care:  Apps can be useful and fun, but make sure you read the fine print and download from reputable sources.  Uninstall apps that you no longer use or need.  Update apps regularly (and turn on auto-update) so that new features, including security updates, get applied.

Be aware of your surroundings:  Watch out for shoulder surfers, and be mindful that others can listen or look in on your conversation when you're in a public place.

When in a secure facility:  Remember to disable all Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features of your mobile device and headset.

Back it up: Protect your valuable digital information by making an electronic copy and storing it safely.

Keep it with you:  When traveling, your mobile device should be kept with you and never left unattended.  If you do need to store your device, place it in a secure location (locked desk, secure cabinet, etc).

Be scan savvy:  Prior to your phone being security scanned when traveling, remove things like your battery, SIM and SD cards.  This can reduce the threats of data being copied or the phone being compromised while out of your control.

Report it:  If your device, or the information it contains, becomes lost, stolen, or compromised, report the incident to your carrier,  police and/or your company IT department if it is a work supplied device.

Think before you act: Before you download, before you click, before you post, before you leave your device somewhere -- take a moment to ensure you are practicing good cybersecurity habits. 

For most of us this is common sense stuff, but it is very easy to forget or miss something.  In this day and age, your personal information and that of your business needs to be secured from the unscrupulous who may try to profit or cause damage.

Practice the principles of "Stop. Think. Connect.", and keep in mind that it is our responsibility to protect the information that has been intrusted to us, our businesses and our clients

I hope you found these tips useful, keep safe.

Ian