Canadian SmartPhone users account for over 50% of all mobile phone users in this country. That number increases dramatically for professionals and business owners. SmartPhone use is almost universal among those who own an online business or who conduct business online (such as eCommerce and marketing). For most of us, it is quite literally worth its weight in gold.
As the popularity of SmartPhones increases, so do the attempts to hack, steal and otherwise exploit them. A stolen or hacked SmartPhone can grant access to cloud storage, company intranets, contact lists, customer databases, social media accounts, financial institutions and email. Malicious attacks may also include malware, viruses and identity theft. Anything you do with your phone can be done by someone who hacks into it and malware can wreak havoc in a myriad of ways, if you don’t employ security measures. The methods of accessing SmartPhones become more sophisticated every day, and the hacking can extend to your other devices, at home or at work.
In spite of the growing threat, 87% of Canadians don’t utilize comprehensive security for their SmartPhone and 89% don’t protect their tablets, according to McAfee’s 2013 Digital Assets Survey. The threat to SmartPhones has reached critical levels, prompting tech giant, Intel, to launch a mobile device security campaign to educate device users. The campaign focuses on the following three ways to protect your mobile device.
1. Locking your SmartPhone is your first line of defense to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands if your phone is lost or stolen. Depending on the operating system you may have several options available to you, including a PIN, voice or face recognition, or a traditional password. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s tough to crack! For example, a random combination of numbers, letters, case, etc., will make your password much more bulletproof.
2. Tracking app’s can help you find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. The more advanced app’s will allow you to wipe your phone’s data remotely, an invaluable feature to business professionals who may have sensitive data on their phone.
3. Encryption app’s allow you to encrypt your phone’s storage, preventing anyone from accessing it without a password.
There are several app’s on the market that may offer some protection for individual devices. The most acclaimed offer multiple security measures and are able to protect all devices, regardless of what platform they use. We strongly suggest adding mobile security measures to your company security policy for all staff.
Have you ever encountered a security threat on your mobile device? Please share your experience in the comments below.
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Melody McKinnon is an internet entrepreneur with 25 years of experience in a wide range of online business models, backed by a formal business education and enhanced by training and mentorship. She has owned or managed both educational and ecommerce websites. Her book, 7 Recession Proof Online Businesses to Start From Home, is available from all major ebook retailers.
Melody has worked with many businesses & brands in a multitude of capacities. She can often be found on CanadianDigitalMedia.com, CanadiansInternet.com, CanadianFamily.net, and AllNaturalPetCare.com, as well as other quality digital publications. Her content has earned reference links from highly-respected websites, magazines and university textbooks.
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It’s amazing how many people don’t protect their devices. Ignorance is bliss? Not this guy, mine are locked up.
It’s good to know there are extra options. Carrying my business around with me makes me nervous too.
Husband bought McAfee yesterday. I feel so much more at ease now, thanks for the direction.
The statistics are shocking! My business can’t be overprotected so I use every bit of security I can for all our devices. Mcafee does it all and its the best we’ve found.