Nearly everyone has a smartphone these days. They can help make your day more convenient and productive. However, these devices are not immune to cyber attacks. Below are a few tips that you can use to keep yourself safe.
- Be sure to utilize a password on your device. Even if you don’t utilize internet banking or other apps with sensitive data, you most likely connect your email to it. Email is the channel that most sites use to reset passwords. If someone has access to your email, they could reset your passwords to a number of sites with sensitive data. Additionally, an attacker could install software that records every keystroke you make. A secure password is foundational to any security that you have on the device.
- Only utilize apps from official locations, such as Apple’s App Store or Google Play. You are less likely to obtain malicious software from these official channels.
- Utilize your device’s auto-update features. Be sure to approve any updates as soon as possible so that you can be protected from any new attacks. If your device does not have this feature, you will need to watch for security updates and manually apply them regularly. Devices do not only include phones and computers; don’t forget your routers and other “smart” devices. Today, most households have a plethora of devices with computers in them that need regular attention.
- Be wary when connecting to public WiFi. You never know what security controls this network has, if any. Additionally, it’s possible that an attacker has set up a legitimate-sounding WiFi network that he controls. How do you know that the free WiFi at your local coffee shop is provided by the business and not by an attacker sitting in the parking lot?
- Be sure that you are using HTTPS to interact with any site with sensitive information. Look for this EVERY time you use the site. Do not log in or enter sensitive information without it.
- If you receive a certificate warning when you are on the internet, this is an immediate red flag! Do not proceed, especially if you are doing anything that is sensitive, including internet banking, shopping, or even logging on to a site. These certificate warnings could mean that someone is listening in on this communication and is able to see and record everything that you are doing.
