By 2017, the number of smartphone users in the United States is expected to surpass 200 million, nearly 65 percent of the population.[1] Security for the ever-growing number of mobile devices presents serious challenges. Risks include adequate and up-to-date security controls for these devices, loss or theft of the devices, and the proliferation of mobile malware.
In its April 2015 newsletter, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, a voluntary, private-sector partner with the National Cyber Security Division within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, offers these tips mobile device users can take to help minimize the likelihood of a successful cyberattack.
Regularly update your device.
Mobile malware increased 75% in 2014 from 2013[2], and further increases in malware are expected in 2015, particularly in mobile ransomware. Updated operating systems and security software are critical in protecting against emerging threats.
Enable encryption.
Enabling encryption on your smartphone is one of the best ways to safeguard information stored on the device, thwarting unauthorized access.
Use a passcode.
In case your phone ever does fall into the wrong hands, don’t make it easy for someone to access all your important information. Enable strong password protection on your device and include a timeout, requiring authentication after a period of inactivity. Secure the smartphone with a unique password – not the default one it came with. Do not share your password with others.
Do not use public Wi-Fi.
Do not log into accounts and do not conduct any sensitive transactions, such as banking or shopping, while using public Wi-Fi. Disable the “automatically connect to Wi-Fi” setting on your device.
Install applications from trusted sources.
Last fall, Gartner, an American information technology research and advisory firm headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, issued a prediction that more than 75 percent of mobile applications will fail basic security tests through 2015.[3] When downloading apps, be proactive and make sure that you read the privacy statement, review permissions, check the app reviews and look online to see if any security company has identified the app as malicious.
Install a phone locator/remote erase app.
Misplacing your device doesn’t have to be a catastrophe, if it has a locater app. Many such apps allow you to log on to another computer and see on a map where the device is. Remote erase apps allow you to remotely wipe data from your device, helping minimize unauthorized access to your information in the event you cannot locate the device.
Disable unwanted services when not in use.
Bluetooth and Near Field Capabilities (NFC) can provide an easy way for a nearby unauthorized user to gain access to your data. Turn these features off when they are not required.
Carefully dispose of mobile devices.
With constant changes in the smartphone market, many users frequently upgrade to new devices. Make sure you wipe the information from your smartphone before disposal. For information on how to do this, check the website of your mobile provider or the manufacturer.
1 http://www.emarketer.com/Article/2-Billion-Consumers-Worldwide-Smartphones-by-2016/1011694
2 http://www.cnbc.com/id/102338872
3 http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2846017
