Mobile Device Security
As the reliance on smartphones and tablets for financial transactions and access to sensitive data grows, it becomes crucial to safeguard mobile devices with the same vigilance as you would a computer. These security tips can help you stay secure online and prevent hackers from gaining access to your information.
Set a Password/Passcode for Your Device or Use Biometric Authentication
To protect your mobile device from unauthorized access if it has been lost or stolen, it is important to set a strong password or passcode of at least 6 characters. Once set, you may also be able to unlock your device using your fingerprint or face depending on the model of your device. Finally, ensure that your device automatically locks itself after a short time, such as 5 minutes or less, to ensure that someone cannot access the device once you set it down.
What to know more about how to protect your phone from hackers? Read the below consumer advice article from the FTC below.
Read How to Protect Your Phone from Hackers
Do Not Jailbreak or Root Your Devices. Only Install Apps from Trusted App Stores
Jailbreaking or rooting devices bypass the built-in security features on your device, making it susceptible to attacks and vulnerable to malware. Installing apps (mobile applications) only from trusted app stores, such as the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone), is important as they review applications to ensure they are safe and malware-free. While malware occasionally makes it through, these cases are relatively rare, and the offending app is quickly removed.
Interested in more security tips? Read the tips in the below button from the FCC.
Read the Top 10 Security Tips for SmartPhones
Keep Your Device and Apps Up to Date
Like a computer, your mobile device will occasionally receive updates to the operating system (Apple iOS and Google Android) and the various applications you have installed. Ensuring that automatic updates are enabled for your operating system and apps can ensure they protect you from threats online.
Read more about updating your smartphone’s operating system from the FCC by clicking on the button below.
Avoid Scams Targeting Mobile Payment Apps
Mobile payment apps such as PayPal, Zelle, and Venmo can be extremely convenient ways to send and receive money, which is why scammers have been increasingly targeting them. To protect yourself from these scams and malware attempting to access your funds, please make sure you follow these steps:
- Never send payment to claim a prize, collect winnings, or withdraw money from an investment
- Do not give anyone your username or password, and never allow someone to log into your account on your behalf
- Use multifactor authentication and a strong password to help prevent unauthorized access
- Double check the recipient to ensure you are sending to the correct trusted party
- If you get an unexpected request from someone you know, check with them using a different communication channel (such as a phone call if they asked via email or text) before sending anything as their account may have been compromised, or a hacker is impersonating them
What to learn more about how to avoid scams in mobile payment apps? Read this Consumer Advice piece from the FTC in the button below.
Read About Avoiding Mobile Payment App Scams
Protecting Your Device When Lost or Stolen, or Before You Dispose of It
In the event that you phone has been lost or stolen, it is important to quickly take action to protect your information. First, make sure you did not misplace your phone by using the Find my Device features available in both Android and iOS. If you are unable to find it, or have confirmed it has been stolen, you should use the remote wipe feature using the Find my Device feature to prevent any information from being retrieved from the device. You can also report the lost or stolen device to your wireless carrier for them to remotely disable the device. Similarly, ensure that your device has been wiped before you sell, trade-in, or recycle.
Read more from the FCC and the FTC about protecting your smart device and removing personal information in the buttons below.
Read About Protecting Your Smart Device
Read About How to Remove Personal Information Before Disposing of Your Device
Other Resources
Click any of the buttons below to read more security resources from the FTC, CIO (Chief Information Officers Council) and CISA (Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency)
Read About Mobile Wallet Services Protection
Read About Mobile Device Security From the CIO
