Here are mobile device security tips that work in the workplace setting:
- Use a lock screen passcode.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
- Turn on the auto-lock feature for even greater security
- Make sure your phone is up to date with the latest operating system.
- Install a mobile security app that offers real-time protection from malicious apps.
- Beware of public hotspots that could put you at risk of identity theft.
Let us discuss each in detail below:
Mobile Device Security Tips
1. Use a lock screen passcode.
This is the first line of defense against unauthorized access to your mobile devices. A common passcode, even if it is easy to guess (1234, 0000, etc.), is better than no passcode at all.
Keep in mind that the longer your passcode is, the harder it will be for someone else to guess it. Longer passwords also give you more time to notice if someone is trying to unlock your phone or tablet.
Always make sure that you use a different passcode for your work device than you do for your device. This way, if you do lose your phone or have it stolen, there will be no way for someone to breach your work accounts using your device.
2. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use.
These two features are often used by cybercriminals who want to access your devices wirelessly and steal data through them. In addition, they are enabled by default and aren’t always necessary when working within an office environment where they don’t pose an immediate threat.
Thus, it’s recommended that you turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth unless you need them on for work purposes and disable them completely when not in use (or after work hours). You can do this by heading over to Settings > Wireless & networks > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi preferences/ Settings > Wireless & networks > Bluetooth > Bluetooth preferences .
3. Turn on the auto-lock feature for even greater security.
One of the best ways of preventing intruders from accessing sensitive data on any mobile device is turning on its auto-lock feature which automatically locks its screen after a predetermined amount of idle time. This will help prevent others from accessing your device when it’s left unattended or when you step away from it.
You can turn on this feature by heading over to Settings > General > Auto-Lock and setting the time on which you want your device to automatically lock itself.
4. Make sure your phone is up to date with the latest operating system.
There are always security patches and improvements being rolled out for every Android operating system version, so make sure that you are up to date with the latest OS version to help minimize security risks. To check for software updates, head over to Settings > About Phone/Tablet > System Updates.
5. Install a mobile security app that offers real-time protection from malicious apps.
Malicious apps can wreak havoc on any mobile device and steal information, such as passwords and banking credentials, in the process. They can also expose sensitive data stored on the device directly to cybercriminals who then exploit it. Thus, it is highly recommended that you install a mobile security solution that offers real-time protection from malicious apps as well as the detection of spyware and viruses on your device(s).
