Eleven Smartphone Habits to Increase Security

Eleven Smartphone Habits to Increase Security

With so many smartphones in use today, people should consider being smarter about their security practices. In fact, a survey conducted by AVG Technologies of 5,000 smartphone users in the U.K., U.S., France, Germany and Brazil concluded that one in every four smartphone users store photos on their phone that could present a potential privacy problem, should the device be lost or stolen. Respondents were openly aware of data threats, with 50% recognizing that mobile devices are less secure than computers, but they still missed potential privacy implications.

CEO of AVG Technologies, JR Smith, recognized that the survey demonstrated consumer confusion about safe usage of mobile devices, and he felt that companies should educate consumers more about privacy and security.

AVG Technologies offers the following advice to assist people with the security of their smartphones:


  1. Purchase apps from reputable app stores only, such as the Google Play store or iTunes.
  2. Do not install anything that sounds too good to be true, like free ringtones or free wallpaper.
  3. Keep your phone’s operating system up-to-date.
  4. Install an anti-virus app on your smartphone.

    In addition, I think it is also important to:

  5. Set up password security on your phone.
  6. Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth. These connections can allow hackers a gateway into your phone.
  7. If you make a purchase or bank from your smartphone, be sure to log out of those sites once transactions are completed.
  8. Do not store usernames and passwords on your phone.
  9. Avoid transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi.
  10. Sync your phone’s data to your computer and/or back up everything on your phone onto a flash drive. Be sure to schedule this task based on the sensitivity and volume of data stored on your phone.
  11. When you upgrade your phone, be sure to delete all the content from your old phone. See the phone’s manual for assistance and delete contacts, personal information, call history, web search history and any saved media. *(Typically in your phone’s settings there is an option for “erase all content,” “factory data reset” or something similar.)

As an avid iPhone user, I appreciate companies that take the time to do surveys and publish the results, because it helps me to stay focused on mobile security. It’s so easy to simply pick up my smartphone and do just about anything with it; however, with a personal smartphone security plan in place, I am taking the necessary steps to protect my data as well as my identity.

Source: http://www.informationweek.com/security/privacy/smartphones-foolish-security-choices/240149365

 

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Gun Violence Report Finds Retail Spaces, K-12 Schools Most Targeted

    ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced the release of its annual Gun Violence Report, offering a deep dive into the landscape of gun-related incidents across the United States. This analysis extends beyond mass fatality events, providing a more nuanced understanding of when, where, and why shootings occur. Read Now

  • Agentic AI Will Revolutionize Cybercrime in 2025 According to New Report

    Malwarebytes, a provider in real-time cyber protection, recently released its 2025 State of Malware report, which reveals insight into the emergence of agentic artificial intelligence (AI), plus the year’s most prominent threats and cybercrime tactics. The report details a significant uptick in the number of known ransomware attacks, the total value of ransoms paid in 2024, and how IT teams can address them. Read Now

  • ESX 2025 Announces Expanded Schedule of Events

    ESX has announced its dynamic 2025 schedule, set to provide an unparalleled experience for professionals in the electronic security and life safety industry. Taking place June 16-19 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, this year’s event features an expanded lineup of educational sessions, hands-on workshops, inspiring main stage speakers, networking opportunities, and an engaging expo floor showcasing the latest technology. Read Now

  • City of New Orleans Launches NOLA Ready Public Safety App Before Super Bowl

    The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (NOHSEP) is pleased to announce the official launch of the NOLA Ready Public Safety App, powered by Motorola Solutions. This new mobile application is designed to enhance public safety and emergency preparedness for both residents and visitors. All individuals planning to attend major events in New Orleans, including the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, and other large gatherings, are encouraged to download the app. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.