The smartphone landscape is exploding at record speed, making our lives more convenient in ways only dreamed of in the past. We use our smartphones to connect with friends, work associates, to share pictures, to share videos, and parts of our lives that were once kept in the private sphere. We feel lost and even desperate if we are without our beloved smartphones for a day or more. It seems we could survive longer without our car than our smartphone these days. We depend on them for everything - from financial transactions and work-related activities, to personal connections.
This convenience in one device is a double edged sword. We love it and need it. But it also exposes us to risks we didn't have prior to smartphones. Because we share plans and smartphones with our family members, it is vital that everyone has a basic understanding of the inherent risks and the simple prevention that is available. Every member of your family must have some understanding of smartphone security. If you have a family security plan or system you follow, even better.
Get the Right Info about your Smartphone Security
When looking broadly at smartphone security, there are three areas everyone should be aware of.
Mobile malware is out there and it is active. That's a fact. Consider this fact and all that it means. Malware is designed to expose the weakness in your smartphone's operating system and to take advantage of that. Mobile malware can make your smartphone useless. It can take over your phone, destroy its system and everything on it. Or worse, it could access sensitive data that is stored on your smartphone. And you may not even know that this has occurred.
Losing your smartphone is always a possibility. They are small, sometimes slippery, and can drop out of pockets or fall out of purses without any notice. Can you access the smartphone remotely? Remote wipe options are widely available and something you should plan for in the event it is needed.
And of course, thieves can steal your smartphone and every piece of precious information on it. If you leave it unsupervised for a moment, say, while you place your child in a booster chair at a diner, for example, that might just happen.
Take These Steps and Reduce your Risk
A surprising number of people do not take the basic action of protecting their smartphone with a password. Passwords are like door keys. So, it is essential to set up either passcode locks, passwords or PINs for your smartphone.
Not all apps are created with security in mind. If an app is not properly designed or designed without security in mind, malware can attach itself to an app. Don't download apps from unknown providers. And if you really want an app regardless, research the reviews online prior to installation. And as a rule, do not install apps that require permissions to use their personal details, contact list or Facebook account information.
How to Insure your Smartphone
What can you do if your smartphone is stolen? Consider your home insurance policy. Check to see if there is a limit on mobile phones. Most home insurance policies provide some coverage for mobile phones and mobile electronic devices, subject to a deductible. Identity theft insurance might be a smart thing to also add. Make sure you have the best protection available.
This convenience in one device is a double edged sword. We love it and need it. But it also exposes us to risks we didn't have prior to smartphones. Because we share plans and smartphones with our family members, it is vital that everyone has a basic understanding of the inherent risks and the simple prevention that is available. Every member of your family must have some understanding of smartphone security. If you have a family security plan or system you follow, even better.
Get the Right Info about your Smartphone Security
When looking broadly at smartphone security, there are three areas everyone should be aware of.
Mobile malware is out there and it is active. That's a fact. Consider this fact and all that it means. Malware is designed to expose the weakness in your smartphone's operating system and to take advantage of that. Mobile malware can make your smartphone useless. It can take over your phone, destroy its system and everything on it. Or worse, it could access sensitive data that is stored on your smartphone. And you may not even know that this has occurred.
Losing your smartphone is always a possibility. They are small, sometimes slippery, and can drop out of pockets or fall out of purses without any notice. Can you access the smartphone remotely? Remote wipe options are widely available and something you should plan for in the event it is needed.
And of course, thieves can steal your smartphone and every piece of precious information on it. If you leave it unsupervised for a moment, say, while you place your child in a booster chair at a diner, for example, that might just happen.
Take These Steps and Reduce your Risk
A surprising number of people do not take the basic action of protecting their smartphone with a password. Passwords are like door keys. So, it is essential to set up either passcode locks, passwords or PINs for your smartphone.
Not all apps are created with security in mind. If an app is not properly designed or designed without security in mind, malware can attach itself to an app. Don't download apps from unknown providers. And if you really want an app regardless, research the reviews online prior to installation. And as a rule, do not install apps that require permissions to use their personal details, contact list or Facebook account information.
How to Insure your Smartphone
What can you do if your smartphone is stolen? Consider your home insurance policy. Check to see if there is a limit on mobile phones. Most home insurance policies provide some coverage for mobile phones and mobile electronic devices, subject to a deductible. Identity theft insurance might be a smart thing to also add. Make sure you have the best protection available.
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