Monday, December 29, 2014

Five steps to keep you safe: Day one, Mobile Devices

You lock the doors and windows in your home, hit the automatic lock on your car when you get out, and avoid sketchy areas, right? All very simple things we've been taught to do from a young age until it's second nature.

Computers and networks in the home are still relatively new to many people, and many people still think because they aren't a "computer person" that the basics are confusing and too hard to pick up. Fact is, no one expects a car owner to understand the intricacies of the ignition switch, but many people have one and drive daily. You know how to fuel it up, change the radio station and roll down the windows, you should know about the locks as well

1: Lock your mobile device.

Maybe some people think it's too much of a hassle to put a four didget PIN on their smartphone or tablet, but not doing so puts you and your information at risk. Ask yourself: If someone picked up your phone, would they have immediate access to your email, facebook accounts or any other social media? Would you want me to see all your photos or other personal information?

I do my best to tread the line between smart security practices and the downright paranoia that some security experts have. I don't want to tell the average phone user they need to fully encrypt their phones with long, complicated passcodes that are required every time you want to check twitter. At the same time, doing nothing is dangerous and leaves you open for attack.

On your phone, find the application named Settings. Regardless of your preferred phone, the security settings will be nestled somewhere in there, and you can put a simple lock on your phone. Some phones have a pattern you can draw and a few of the latest generation has a fingerprint scanner. Whichever route you want to take, just put some kind of lock on it. Not doing so is basically like leaving your car doors unlocked, except losing information can hurt you for years after.

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