Securing Mobile Devices

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 16:36:00 -0400
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Mobile devices are now an integral part of our daily lives. They make communication and access to information incredibly convenient from virtually anywhere. This convenience can make it easy to forget that mobile devices are vulnerable to many of the same threats as computers. Here are some common risks to watch out for when using your device.

Unsecured internet connections – Free public Wi-Fi is often unencrypted, meaning other people on the network may be able to access any data you send or receive. Depending on your settings, your device may connect to these networks automatically in order to decrease mobile data use. Consider turning off this feature for more control over your data. However, wired connections in public places may not be secure either, and can be tampered with and monitored or used to send malware to your device. In either case, it is important to know where your connection is coming from and limit transmission of private and sensitive data accordingly.

Malicious apps – Downloaded apps often request a number of permissions that they claim are necessary in order for the app to function. If granted, a malicious app can easily take control of your device. To avoid this risk, only download verified apps from reputable sources, like Apple’s App Store or Google Play. For an example of a malicious app and the damage it can do, check out this article about how one app spreads ransomware: https://itsecurity.umbc.edu/critical/?id=93247.

Loss or theft – Mobile devices contain a plethora of personal data, all of which can be valuable to unscrupulous individuals. Therefore, it is just as important to use a strong password for your phone as it is for your computer. A short PIN may not be enough to stop determined thieves from stealing your data. Consider adding 2-factor authentication by enabling both the password and fingerprint recognition settings, if possible. Finally, remember that remote wiping is an option for cases where your device is permanently lost. This will allow you to delete all data remotely, preventing it from being stolen. For more information on remote wipe, see https://insights.samsung.com/2020/05/28/3-things-you-should-know-about-remote-wipe-2/.

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