Today’s mobile devices are as powerful and connected as any PC or laptop. Take the same precautions on your mobile device as you do on your computer with regard to messaging and online safety. The first step is STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
Mobile devices are computers with software that need to be kept up-to-date (just like your PC, laptop or tablet). Security protections are built in and updated on a regular basis. Take time to make sure all the mobile devices in your house have the latest protections. This may require synching your device with a computer.
- Keep security software current: Having the latest mobile security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
- Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Computers, smartphones, gaming systems and other web-enabled devices all need protection from viruses and malware.
Phones can contain tremendous amounts of personal information. Lost or stolen devices can be used to gather information about you, and potentially others. Protect your phone like you would your computer.
- Secure your phone: Use a strong passcode to lock your phone.
- Think before you app: Review the privacy policy and understand what data (location, access to your social networks) the app can access on your device before you download.
- Only give your mobile number out to people you know and trust and never give anyone else’s number out without their permission.
Use common sense when you connect. If you’re online through an unsecured or unprotected network, be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you release.
- Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone.
- Protect your $$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with “https://” or “shttp://,” which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. “Http://” is not secure.
- When in doubt, don’t respond: Fraudulent texting, calling and voicemails are on the rise. Just like email, requests for personal information or for immediate action are almost always a scam.
Stay informed of the latest updates on your device. Know what to do if something goes wrong.
- Stay current. Keep pace with new ways to stay safe online: Check trusted websites for the latest information, and share with friends, family, and colleagues and encourage them to be web wise.
- Know how to cell block others: Using caller ID, you can block all incoming calls or block individual names and numbers.
- Use caution when meeting face-to-face with someone who you only “know” through text messaging: Even though texting is often the next step after online chatting, it does not mean that it is safer.
