Security for Mobile Devices
As laptops are a prevalent form of technology on college campuses it is important to practice safe procedures towards safeguarding your laptop. With this, laptop and mobile device theft is high. You can keep your valuable mobile device safe by following these measures:
Always remember to use a physical lock to secure your laptop to a sturdy object.
If possible, use encryption on your hard drive, thumb drive or any other USB device.
Use a strong password on your smart phone.
Here's a recent technical paper from US-CERT, the United States Computer Emergency Response Team, detailing some of the security issues surrounding mobile devices. Some key takeaways from this document are:
Maintain up-to-date software, including operating systems and applications
Install anti-virus software as it becomes available and maintain up-to-date signatures and engines
Enable the personal identification number (PIN) or password to access the mobile device, if available
Encrypt personal and sensitive data, when possible
Disable features not currently in use such as Bluetooth, infrared, or Wi-Fi
Set Bluetooth-enabled devices to non-discoverable to render them invisible to unauthenticated devices
Use caution when opening email and text message attachments and clicking links
Avoid opening files, clicking links, or calling numbers contained in unsolicited email or text messages
Avoid joining unknown Wi-Fi networks
Delete all information stored in a device prior to discarding it
Maintain situational awareness of threats affecting your mobile devices