We are living in a society that is increasingly connected. The mobile devices we use every day are becoming more and more integrated into our day to day lives, and we’re using them for everything from shopping to communication to financial management to gaming. As I’m sure I’ve said at some point before, they’re beyond simple communication devices…they’re portable computers. As a result, we’re storing and accessing more and more personal information on these devices with each passing day.
Understandably, you don’t want such a device falling into the wrong hands. While people may sometimes steal a phone because of its value, criminals who lift cell phones and tablets are often after something else altogether: information. If you’ve any personal financial information on your phone or tablet, and someone steals it…
Well you do the math. There are a few steps you’re going to need to take in order to protect yourself. Be sure that you follow them, lest you find yourself playing the victim.
Keep an Eye on your Device
The best way to prevent someone from stealing your device is to stay sharp wherever you may be. Don’t connect to any unsecured wireless networks, and watch your device like a hawk. Don’t put it down anywhere that someone might easily be able to take it, and ensure that you’ve always got it close by. People who aren’t paying attention are an easy target for criminals; anyone looking to steal your phone is going to wait for the precise moment that you tune out in order to make your move. Don’t give them the opportunity.
Password Protect
If your device is equipped with the capability, consider setting an unlock password. That way, anyone who tries to access the phone will be locked out. Just be sure you don’t forget your password, or you’ll wind up dealing with an entirely new problem. While this might not necessarily stop an incredibly tech savvy and determined thief(there are ways around such passwords), it might turn off a few of the folks looking to lift your gadgets. Plus, you’ll want to add any layer of protection you possibly can. Whatever you can do to protect yourself, you should.
Be Aware of Remote Wipe
Most enterprise mobile devices come with remote wipe software pre-installed. If your device has been compromised in any fashion, you can log in to the nearest computer and set off the application, which will completely wipe your phone or tablet of any personally identifiable information. What the thieves will be left with is a blank slate. While you’ll still be out a smartphone or tablet, your information will be safe.
Google allows for remote wiping through Google Sync (so long as you’ve configured the feature), while Apple offers the feature through the Find My iPhone software. Most other smartphone OSes should have similar features, as well.
Install Physical Security Software
Remote Wipe is great and all, but why allow someone to steal your phone in the first place? Sometimes you may have to leave your device temporarily unattended in a public place, or you end up looking away from it.
For these rare moments, there exists a full suite of phone alarm applications on both the iTunes Store and the Android Marketplace. Anti-Theft Screen Lock, for example, sets off a loud, piercing alarm if someone tries to break into your phone (or even move your device, depending on the settings).
You can also use your phone as a tool to protect yourself from harm – but that’s another topic for another day. For now, these steps should suffice to keep your gadgets safe from prying hands.
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How about paying for a VPN service so that your data is secure when on public wifi at the coffee house? Quite a few are $3-$5 a month. Pretty cheap to secure all of your home data and your mobile data from any and all prying eyes.