Putting the Smart in Smartphone Security: Six Consumer Tips

Mobile devices have transformed the way we manage our everyday lives: from how we track our bank accounts, to interacting with friends and family to booking travel, and so on.  Everything you need is at your fingertips, but are you taking the proper security measurements to protect your device?  Below are a few tips to help keep your smartphone’s data safe. 

1. Set a Password: When you do not set a password to lock your phone, anyone who obtains possession of the device has instant access to all of your apps that automatically log-in upon launching. This is a simple security measure to take and yet, according to Consumer Reports' annual State of the Net Survey, only 36 percent of smartphone owners have a passcode. From a business use perspective, any device that accesses corporate email or networks should have a complex password and be managed by mobile device management tools such as AirWatch or Good Technology.

2. Mobile Security Apps: Looking to the future, we expect the adoption of mobile device security apps that provide anti-virus, privacy and anti-malware protection to increase. And for good reason. According to the June 2014 McAfee Labs Threat Report, mobile malware has increased by 167 percent in the past year alone. Companies such as AirWatch aim to ensure your enterprise mobility deployment is secure and corporate information is protected with end-to-end security. 

3. Physical Security: Consumer Reports projected that approximately 3.1 million American consumers were victims of smartphone theft. Keeping your device in a zipped pocket, secure bag or within close proximity to your body helps reduce the risk of losing or having your phone stolen. Leaving your phone in plain view (e.g. beach blanket, park bench, etc.) increases these risks and may cost you an expensive afternoon. Also, business devices should have the capability to be remotely wiped to ensure confidential data or network access does not fall into the wrong hands.

4. Backup and Secure Your Data: You should backup all of your smartphone’s data - for example, your contacts, photos and documents. This data can be stored on your computer, on a storage card, or in the cloud.

5. Only Download Apps from Trusted Sources: Research apps before installing them to confirm legitimacy. Users can do so by checking the app publisher, seller and reviews, as well as comparing the app sponsor’s website with the app store link to confirm consistency.

6. “Find my Phone” App: In the event that your device goes missing, having set up this iPhone app in advance can help you locate the device from your browser. When signing into the app, a map will appear which pinpoints your device’s location and also gives you the options to call, lock and even erase your phone. 

In conclusion, the use of common sense and security measures can help mitigate the risk to your mobile device’s data. At Eze Castle Integration we regularly work with hedge funds and investment firms to create mobile security policies that make end-users happy by giving them device-freedom while keeping corporate data safe and secure.

Additional Articles:

• Mobile Device Management: Evaluating Solutions & Vendors

• A Hacker's Tool Kit: Cyber Security Threats to Financial Firms