Tuesday Tip: Keep Your Mobile Devices Safe from Cybercriminals

Anonymous scammer with black gloves uses smartphone beneath money hack symbol.

Cybercriminals know your mobile devices hold all sorts of information about you, and they’ll try to trick you into giving them access to it. It’s important to practice good security habits on both your personal and work mobile devices.

Tips to protect sensitive information on your mobile device:

• Clean out your inbox. Delete text messages and emails that contain sensitive information.
• Keep sensitive information out of notetaking and photo apps. If you take a picture of an important document, such as your Social Security card, delete the image as soon as you’re done.
• Set up passwords on your devices. Many devices also let you use facial recognition or fingerprint recognition for an extra layer of security.

Be sure to make safe mobile payment transactions:

• Lock down your mobile wallet. If you use a mobile wallet app, set up a device password, turn on facial or fingerprint recognition, and enable payment notifications. Passwords and biometrics protect your wallet if someone steals your device, and notifications alert you to suspicious activity.
• Use only trusted payment apps, such as Google Pay or Apple Pay. Watch out for untrusted or fraudulent payment apps, which cybercriminals use to steal payment information.
• Verify before you pay. Even with a trusted app, check the payment details before you complete a transaction, and confirm you know the recipient before you send any money.

Confirm your apps are safe and up to date:

• Use only trusted apps. Cybercriminals use untrusted apps to put malware on your device. Download apps only from verified app stores, such as the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Don’t “jailbreak” your device or install software that changes how it’s meant to work. This kind of software can damage your device and block automatic updates.
• Keep your apps and operating system (OS) up to date. Updates fix bugs and security issues, so install them as soon as your device prompts you.

Your mobile devices go everywhere you do, so a few simple habits go a long way toward keeping your information out of cybercriminals’ hands. If you have questions about securing your devices, our team is always here to help.