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# 271 Secure Your Mobile Devices

September 28, 2016

Smartphones and tablets offer convenience but pose unique security risks. Protect yourself with these mobile security tips as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Smartphones and tablets offer convenience but pose unique security risks. Protect yourself with these mobile security tips as part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month!

  1. Keep your phone close! Unattended theft is the most common reported crime on campus (https://www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/safety-initiatives/theft-awareness/), and it’s one of the most common causes of mobile security breaches.
  2. Set a password/lock on your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data.
  3. Encrypt your mobile device to add an additional layer of security.
  4. Be extra careful on public WiFi networks. Many aren’t secure and can expose your data to attackers. Avoid shopping, banking, or accessing other sensitive accounts while on pubic WiFi. When you need to access sensitive accounts on the go, your mobile data is the safest choice. Turn off devices’ WiFi (and Bluetooth) when you’re not actively using it.
  5. Download from trusted sources such as your device’s app store. Unofficial sources may add malware to your desired download.
  6. Check applications’ data permissions. Make sure that applications don’t have access to excessive private data. Avoid apps that don’t ask permission to access data. Don’t install unnecessary applications, especially ones that have access to sensitive data like bank information or credit card numbers.