The Phone May Be Smart…Are You??
February 21, 2013 3:20 PM PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY
The Better Business Bureau is urging you to take steps to secure your mobile devices in order to protect yourself from identity theft and malware. According to a survey, almost half of all American adults now own smartphones. The same survey found that 17 percent of all consumers use their mobile device as their primary means of accessing the internet.
Here are a few practical tips to secure your mobile devices:
- Lock your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, your personal information is at risk. Add a security code to your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data.
- Update your operating system. Those alerts on your smart phone that tell you to update your apps and operating system are more than just a minor annoyance. These updates close security loopholes and other back doors hackers can use to access your phone without your knowledge.
- Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter any passwords or access any personal data.
- Turn off Bluetooth. Bluetooth creates a wireless connection between your phone and other devices or phones. If you are not actively using an enabled device, such as a headset, make sure your Bluetooth is turned off.
And now you’re as smart as your phone!
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