Mobile

Man Holding Cell PhoneSmart phones are increasingly being used for all kinds of fun and productivity, and this includes students using them for all kinds of reasons in support of education. Many Algonquin College students are using the new mobile BlackBoard application and Adobe Creative Cloud mobile applications, among many others. However, despite this increased utility, it is important to note that the potential threats out in cyber space have greatly increased over the past few years requiring all users to take extra precaution. Trend Micro states that the number of high risk, malicious Android apps – 350,000 of them in 2012, will increase threefold in 2013, broadly in line with predicted growth of the Android OS itself.

Here are some tips to reduce smart phone security risks and potential loss of your personal and valuable data:

  1. Label your device with your name and telephone number, and record your device’s unique manufacturer’s serial number, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth addresses, as well as your International Mobile Station Equipment Identity (IMEI) number in case you lose your device.
    – Canadian cellular service providers have started a national lost and stolen IMEI blacklist. You can check an IMEI at http://www.protectyourdata.ca/check-the-status-of-your-device-in-canada/

  2. Use a strong password to access and lock the device.
    – This prevents criminals and hacktivists from exploiting software vulnerabilities.

  3. Keep the mobile device software up to date.– Look around your office or home. Are there old hard drives or media that you no longer need? Bring them in and we will securely destroy them. Don’t have a password on your device? Create one today.

  4. Carefully check the URL that you are connecting to.
    – Incorrect URLs can lead to a malicious web site that may comprise your device.

  5. Avoid using the web browser “Save Password” feature.
    – Some rogue websites are able to steal your stored passwords using common web browser vulnerabilities.

  6. Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks only.
    – Some rogue websites are able to steal your stored passwords using common web browser vulnerabilities.

  7. Avoid using the web browser “Save Password” feature.
    – Open, unsecured networks may seem like a great way to connect to the internet, however they often come at a cost. Open networks don’t encrypt your information, thus anybody with often simple tools can view your data as it is transferred from your device to the wireless access point. You should never conduct internet banking on unencrypted networks.

  8. Don’t ‘jail break’ or ‘root’ a device
    – Jail breaking may bring you some benefit; however, doing so allows hackers to circumvent security controls and use the device without you knowing it.

  9. Considering installing Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware software.
    – Particularly with Android devices, it is important to install extra protection. There are numerous free products available such as Avast! Free Mobile Security and AVG Antivirus Free for Mobile that provide basic protection.

  10. Research the App that you wish to download.
    – Over 40% of apps do something malicious, such as steal your personal data.