Mobile Devices - National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Today's mobile devices are as powerful and connected as any PC or laptop. Take the same precautions on your mobile device as you do on your computer with regard to messaging and online safety.

Keep a Clean Machine

Mobile devices are computers with software that need to be kept up-to-date (just like your PC, laptop or tablet). Security protections are built in and updated on a regular basis. Take time to make sure all the mobile devices in your home have the latest protection too.

• Keep security software current: Having the latest mobile security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware and other online threats.
• Protect all devices that connect to the Internet: Computers, smartphones, and other web-enabled devices all need protection from viruses and malware.

Protect Your Personal Information

Phones can contain tremendous amounts of personal information. Lost or stolen devices can be used to gather information about you, and potentially, others. Protect your phone like you would your computer.

• Secure your phone: Use a strong passcode to lock your phone.
• Think before you app: Review the privacy policy and understand what data (location, access to your social networks) the app can access on your device before you download.

Connect With Care

Use common sense when you connect. If you are online through an unsecured or unprotected network, be cautious about the sites you visit and the information you release.

• Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone.
• Protect your $$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with "https://" or "shttp://," which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. "Http://" is not secure.