This week’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) theme is Being Mobile: Safety & Security Tips on the Go. This summer’s study by Consumer Reports clearly shows that mobile cyber security is a real issue. Over 85% of the people surveyed don’t protect their smartphone with security apps, leaving themselves vulnerable to the nearly one million mobile viruses out there. Now, more than ever, it is critical to make sure your mobile devices are secure. Here are some safety and security tips for your mobile lifestyle:
• Get an anti-virus and anti-malware app: Smartphones and tablets need anti-virus and anti-malware protection, too. With over 5 billion people expected to be using smartphones by 2017, malware authors are targeting smartphones and tablets because they are so often left unsecured.
• Enable anti-theft features: Not only do anti-theft features protect your device from thieves; you can also use the GPS device location feature to track your child’s location in case of an emergency.
• Password protect your device: Protecting your smartphone or tablet with a password or PIN to gain access is the first line of defense against cyber criminals.
• Use parental controls: Ever handed your smartphone or tablet to a child to play with? Parental controls aren’t just for computers, smartphone manufacturers usually allow parents to turn off some features, but that’s not always enough. Consider getting an app designed with more in-depth child protection controls.
• Review app privacy policies: Be sure to understand what personal information or data the app can access before you download so you aren’t sharing more than you intended.
• Disable unnecessary geo-tagging: You may be unknowingly sharing the location photos were taken or social posts were placed. If you aren’t knowingly checking into a favorite location, it’s best to turn these features off to keep you safe.
For more mobile security and safety tips, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org.
