Why & How to Secure Your Mobile Device

Most of us carry around our cell phones wherever we go. Because a lot of our time is spent using our phone, it’s important to do so safely. Learn the best practices you should follow as you utilize your mobile device in and outside of your home.

ENABLE A SECURE LOCK FEATURE

When you open your cell phone, what security features do you use to unlock it? Do you enter in a code? Swipe a unique pattern? Scan your fingerprint? The first step is having a lock feature set up but there are many different ways to create this. Although it may be enticing to set a lock feature that is basic and easy to remember, it’s not the best decision if you want to keep outsiders from having access to your phone’s data. 1234 may be easy to remember, but it is often one of the first codes guessed, so it’s better to either create a longer and more original password or use one of the other more secure options, like face or fingerprint recognition.

DO ROUTINE UPDATES

Annoyed by the constant update reminders that you receive on your phone? The best way to get them to go away is to fulfill them. Make sure you follow through with these updates on a routine basis. Not only will it help reduce the amount of glitches you experience, but there are often important security updates that are included within them. Android, Apple and Google align these updates with new threats that they detect, so to stay proactive, it’s best to do this on a routine basis for your device.

CONNECT TO SECURE WI-FI NETWORKS

Cell phones were invented to keep you connected to the internet wherever you are located. Just because it may be tempting to connect to Wi-Fi at your local coffee shop to save on data usage, it doesn’t mean that it is the best decision for your device. Public Wi-Fi networks do not have any built in security so when you connect to unsecured Wi-Fi, you are opening yourself and all of your personal information to strangers. If it’s a necessity to stay connected to the public Wi-Fi, it’s always best to be connected to a virtual private network (VPN), so you can secure your own device when connected.

BE MINDFUL OF THE APPS YOU DOWNLOAD

There are numerous helpful apps out there, whether you want one to help come up with workouts or recipes, there is always something that can help you achieve your goal. However, it’s important to consider the security best practices when making the selection of which app to download. For starters, you should only download apps from trusted sources, like Apple and Google Stores. Always read the reviews before downloading an app as they can help you determine how reliable it is and if anyone has had a negative experience. Lastly, don’t skip through the permissions that the app requests. If you’re unsure why the app needs permission for certain information on your phone, don’t download it.

BE MINDFUL OF THE APPS YOU DOWNLOAD

Like your desktop or laptop, your mobile device can also experience viruses and can benefit from having some added security installed. There are numerous apps that can help protect your information from malware, but it’s important to do your homework on which are trusted. Verizon offers a Digital Secure app that provides identity theft alerts and protects your data from harmful websites. If there is information stored on your phone that you wouldn’t want to go into the hands of a stranger, antivirus apps can help prevent this.

Nutmeg Technologies is an IT managed service provider based out of Enfield, CT. We are happy to assist companies who are looking to have in-office or remote workforce through secure technology. Contact us to today to find a product that best suits your company’s needs.