Mobile device use is on the rise and so is the number of cyberattacks. Hackers are developing more sophisticated malware targeted toward smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. Here are 20 tips to help safeguard your device, yourself and others.
Wi-Fi
- Don’t allow your device to auto-join unfamiliar networks.
- Always turn off Wi-Fi when you aren’t using it or don’t need it.
- Never send sensitive information over Wi-Fi, unless you’re absolutely sure it’s a secure network.
Apps
- Only use apps available in your device’s official store — NEVER download from a browser.
- Be wary of apps from unknown developers or those with limited or bad reviews.
- Delete apps if they’re no longer supported by your store.
- Keep them updated to ensure they have the latest security.
- Don’t grant administrator or excessive privileges to apps unless you truly trust them.
Browser
- Watch out for ads, giveaways and contests that seem too good to be true.
- Pay close attention to URLs.
- Never save your login information when you’re using a web browser.
Bluetooth
- Disable automatic Bluetooth pairing.
- Turn it off when you don’t need it.
Smishing (phishing via SMS)
- Don’t trust messages that attempt to get you to reveal any personal information.
- Beware of similar tactics in platforms like What’s App, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, etc.
- Treat messages the same way you would treat email.
Vishing (voice phishing)
- Don’t respond to telephone or email requests for personal financial information. (If you’re concerned, call the financial institution directly, using the phone number that appears on the back of your credit card or on your monthly statement.)
- Never click on a link in an unsolicited commercial email, unless you’re certain it’s legitimate.
- Speak only with live people when providing account information, and only when you initiate the call.
- Install software that can tell you whether you are on a secure or fake website.
Source: KnowBe4 is the world’s largest security-awareness training and simulated phishing platform. More than 35,000 organizations around the world use KnowBe4 to raise awareness of threats to information security and train users to protect themselves and their institutions from those threats.
