Cell Phone Security

We currently live in an age of instant information particularly with widespread use of smartphones. As a courtesy to our customers, we'd like to share some valuable information to help you increase your awareness regarding security on your cell phone.

Treat Your Phone Like Your Computer

By now, most of us know the drill. If you bank online, you need to secure your computers against hackers and viruses. Passwords should never be saved on your laptop or desktop. These same precautions need to be taken with our smartphones/cellphones. Many of us now pay bills or purchase merchandise with the use of cell phones and this can have serious security implications if your phone is not protected. How do you secure your cell phone? The first thing you should do is set up a password for your device. (50% of cell phone owners do not use password protection). This can be done by going into your phone's settings. On an iPhone for example, look for the pass code setting. On an Android, it is called Locations and Security.

Utilize Remote Access

One of the biggest risks is the loss of your phone. Think about how many times you have left your cell phone in a restaurant or movie theater. Therefore, it is critical for you to have a way to track down your smartphone and wipe out its memory remotely. There are programs you can purchase that will do this.

Download Apps At Your Own Risk

One of the easiest ways a thief can access your personal information is by getting you to download a free app. What many of us don't realize is that thieves are using applications to infect our phones with malware. Part of the fun of having a smartphone is downloading all sorts of cool apps. Fortunately, you don't have to completely abandon this practice. Just do it carefully. Make sure the app is either well known or has been out for at least six months. Otherwise, that free game could cost you a whole lot more in lost savings and identity.

Passwords

Never elect to have passwords saved on your device or to stay logged on to your accounts from your cellular phone. Though it may save you a few precious seconds, it can cause you significant harm.

Theft Alert

Do NOT leave your phone visible in your car. Half of all cell phone thefts occur from vehicles.

Text Message Links

Do NOT open links in text messages from unknown or unfamiliar sources. These messages could be malicious software waiting to steal your information or encouraging you to visit a particular website with the intention of retrieving certain information.

Name, Rank & Serial Number Please

Make sure you know the make and model of your phone, the phone number, the serial/IMEI number, the PIN number and descriptive details of the phone including color, shape, size and identifying features. Take a picture of your phone and staple it to a piece of paper with the details to keep in a separate location at home. If your cell phone is ever stolen, the police will need this information to help with their investigation.

Contact Your Service Provider

Contact your cell phone service provider with whom you have service as soon as you realize your cell phone has been stolen. Ask that they block your phone across all networks so service cannot be obtained with another provider.

Bluetooth Alert

Disable Bluetooth when not in use. Disconnecting Bluetooth, a non-secure connection, helps prevent your attackers from obtaining information or sending malicious modes into your mobile device.

Don't Ignore the Obvious

Avoid saving any personal or financial information on your mobile device.