04/15/2014
Smart Phone Security Article Very informative information for smartphone users.
Smartphone Security
Make the most of your smartphone
Make the most of your smartphone by taking steps to use it
securely. Here we share insight and advice from the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC).
Operating-System-Specific Tips
The FCC, in public-private partnership between government
experts, smartphone developers, and private IT and security
companies, created the Smartphone Security Checker to help
consumers keep their smartphones—or at least the data on the
phones—secure.
The Director of Public-Private Initiatives at the FCC, Jordan
Usdan, described it like this:
“The FCC’s Smartphone Security Checker provides numerous
resources, including tips and easy-to-follow instructions,
to help consumers take steps to guard against smartphone
security threats.” Adding, “Mobile cybersecurity threats are
growing, and it’s important to understand how to protect your
smartphone just like you protect your computer.”
Gain access to the Smartphone Security Checker at www.fcc.gov/
smartphone-security. Choose your mobile operating system and
click on “Generate Your Checker.” Then, follow the 10 customized
steps to secure your mobile device.
General Mobile Security Tips
The following tips for smartphone security come directly from
the FCC and the Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.
ConnectTM Campaign:
1. Set PINs and passwords. To prevent unauthorized access to
your phone, set a password or Personal Identification Number
(PIN) on your phone’s home screen as a first line of defense
in case your phone is lost or stolen. When possible, use a
different password for each of your important log-ins (email,
banking, personal sites, etc.). You should configure your phone
to automatically lock after five minutes or less when your phone
is idle, as well as use the SIM password capability available on
most smartphones.
2. Do not modify your smartphone’s security settings.
Do not alter security settings for convenience. Tampering with
your phone’s factory settings, jailbreaking, or rooting your
phone undermines the built-in security features offered by
your wireless service and smartphone, while making it more
susceptible to an attack.
3. Backup and secure your data. You should backup all of the
data stored on your phone—such as your contacts, documents,
and photos. These files can be stored on your computer, on a
removal storage card, or in the cloud. This will allow you to
conveniently restore the information to your phone should it be
lost, stolen, or otherwise erased.
4. Only install apps from trusted sources. Before downloading
an app, conduct research to ensure the app is legitimate.
Checking the legitimacy of an app may include such thing
as: checking reviews, confirming the legitimacy of the app
store, and comparing the app sponsor’s official website with
the app store link to confirm consistency. Many apps from
untrusted sources contain malware that once installed can steal
information, install viruses, and cause harm to your phone’s
contents. There are also apps that warn you if any security risks
exist on your phone.
5. Understand app permissions before accepting them.
You should be cautious about granting applications access to
personal information on your phone or otherwise letting the
application have access to perform functions on your phone.
Make sure to also check the privacy settings for each app
before installing.
6. Install security apps that enable remote location and
wiping. An important security feature widely available on
smartphones, either by default or as an app, is the ability to
remotely locate and erase all of the data stored on your phone,
even if the phone’s GPS is off. In the case that you misplace
your phone, some applications can activate a loud alarm, even
if your phone is on silent. These apps can also help you locate
and recover your phone when lost.
Click here to use the Smartphone Security Checker
A service of the Investigators of Kroll Advisory Solutions
These materials are derived from the research and discovery activities of Kroll Advisory Solutions Fraud Specialists and Licensed Investigators, and have been gathered from personal, historical,
and aggregated experience performing specialized restoration services on behalf of Identity Theft victims. While believed to be accurate, these materials do not constitute legal advice, and are
not guaranteed to be correct, complete or up-to-date. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into a language or computer
language, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the express written consent of Kroll Advisory Solutions. These materials are provided for
informational purposes only. MEM-054-2013-1-8
Smartphone Security
7. Accept updates and patches to your smartphone’s
software. You should keep your phone’s operating system
software up-to-date by enabling automatic updates or
accepting updates when prompted from your service
provider, operating system provider, device manufacturer,
or application provider. By keeping your operating system
current, you reduce the risk of exposure to cyber threats.
8. Be smart on open Wi-Fi networks. When you access a
Wi-Fi network that is open to the public, your phone can be
an easy target of cybercriminals. You should limit your use
of public hotspots and instead use protected Wi-Fi from a
network operator you trust or mobile wireless connection
to reduce your risk of exposure, especially when accessing
personal or sensitive information. Always be aware when
clicking web links and be particularly cautious if you are
asked to enter account or log-in information.
9. Wipe data on your old phone before you donate, resell,
or recycle it. Your smartphone contains personal data you
want to keep private when you dispose your old phone.
To protect your privacy, completely erase data off of your
phone and reset the phone to its initial factory settings.
Then, donate, resell, recycle, or otherwise properly dispose
of your phone.
10. Report a stolen smartphone. The major wireless service
providers, in coordination with the FCC, have established a
stolen phone database. If your phone is stolen, you should
report the theft to your local law enforcement authorities and
then register the stolen phone with your wireless provider.
This will provide notice to all the major wireless service
providers that the phone has been stolen and will allow for
remote “bricking” of the phone so that it cannot be activated
on any wireless network without your permission.
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