Mobile devices should not be overlooked and should be treated like your personal computer. The security on a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, has become increasingly important in protecting your personal and account information. The collection of an increasing amount of sensitive information through apps, communications, and operating systems puts anyone at greater risk.
How to Protect Yourself
- Sign-out or lock your mobile device(s).
- Be aware of what is going on in the news with mobile devices and scams.
- Don’t let others use your mobile device(s).
- Be careful to create secure PINs and passwords. Don’t use birth dates, parts of your Social Security or driver’s license numbers, your address or your children’s or spouse’s names. Someone trying to steal your identity probably has some or all of this information.
- Install anti-virus and firewall software on your mobile device(s) and keep it up to date. Make sure your anti-virus software scans incoming communications and files for viruses that could cause you trouble.
- A firewall is software or hardware designed to block unauthorized access to your devices. It’s especially important to run a firewall if you have a broadband connection (such as from a cable modem or DSL line) because your connection is always open, so you’re more likely to be a target. Most common operating systems (including Windows® XP and Vista, and Apple’s OS X) come with a built-in firewall, but you may have to turn the feature on.