Privacy Tips for Mobile Devices

Organizations are focused on strengthening the security of their internal devices, but mobile devices are often overlooked, especially in instances where employees are using personal devices to conduct business. Mobile devices are a lucrative new target for cybercriminals as they hold almost as much information as a computer. InsureTrust released some privacy tips for mobile devices and passwords that employers should consider and advise employees to adopt.

Here are 5 ways to protect your mobile device:

1. Create a PIN. The key is to create a PIN that is not easily guessed by someone who may know you. For example, do not create your PIN as your birthday, anniversary, zip code, etc.
2. Provide security questions. You should establish a security question when logging into your mobile device. Again, do not pick a question that someone can easily look up or guess.
3. Review apps before downloading. To avoid malware infecting your phone, be sure to look at app reviews before downloading and ensure the app is from a credible source.
4. Limit apps’ access to your information. Do not let apps access your contacts and/or location if it is not necessary for the app’s primary function. This information can be stolen and misused.
5. Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Even though free Wi-Fi is very appealing, most public Wi-Fi is not secure. This means that hackers can easily grab data.

In this day and age, everyone has many apps. While it is important to vary passwords to protect your information, it can be difficult to remember many passwords. Consider using a third-party password vault such as Roboform, LastPass, 1Password and more. These systems can also help you create strong passwords, or you can use these tips:

1. Create strong passwords. A strong password is a combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers and special characters. Again, do not pick a password that is easily guessable.
2. Limit the number of logins to your account. To prevent a hacker from using a password generator to guess your password, allow five login attempts. Then, the account will be locked and you can email an administrator for assistance.
3. Enable Two Factor Authentication. This is a great way to keep hackers out even if they are able to guess your password.  After logging into an account you will receive a code through text message, push notification or email to ensure that you are the one accessing your account.

Employers should encourage their employees to follow these tips in protecting all aspects of their online presence including their personal and business data. These pointers are vital to minimizing the risk of information being hacked. Please reach out to a trusted advisor so we can support your cybersecurity risk management and insurance solutions.