'Back to School' Cell Phone Basics - 6 Tips for Cell Phone Security - Tech2020solutions.com

'Back to School' Cell Phone Basics - 6 Tips for Cell Phone Security

When the kids have boarded the school bus and you prepare to walk out the door in the morning, what is the one thing you do not want to forget? Most people would say their cellphone.

Today, cellphones are used for more than making calls; they are our calendars, our computers and many times our wallet. With so much of your identity on your phone, losing it could mean more than missing that 10 o’clock meeting you forgot about because there was no alarm to remind you.

Luckily, we have some simple tips to help keep your information in your hands.

1.   Keep Your Software Up to Date
Phone updates are for more than giving you the sleek new quick access bar to keep your most used applications in one place. These updates also provide security fixes that solves bugs or other glitches facing your operating system. Regardless of whether you use IOS, Android or Windows phones, cybercrime is constantly advancing, so take advantage of the fact that your manufacturer is also keeping your technology up to date. Most phones notify you of when software updates are available, and if you have the option to update automatically, check yes. In the event you do lose your phone, running a regular backup to external storage such as iCloud will provide a backup for all the information on your device.

2.   Passwords are Priceless
It can be tricky to unlock your phone using a passcode while also holding a cup of coffee, the paper and pay attention to where you are walking however, it’s worth it. Keeping your phone screen locked is the easiest way to protect everything you store on your phone. Although facial recognition unlock sounds cool, it’s also the least secure. Line patterns and pin numbers are the most secure option when choosing a lock method. FYI - using 1,2,3,4 etc… is NOT a good idea.

3.   Location, Location, Location
Losing your phone can be a disaster for some, BUT if you play it smart ahead of time, you could get it back. Most phones can be tracked if the location setting on your phone is turned on. Apple operating system comes with the Find my iPhone app, but the same technology is available for Android as well. By keeping your location on, these apps enable you to track the exact spot your phone is in, and will give you the chance to be reunited once more. Just keep in mind that when your phone can be traced, so can you!

4.   Apps from the Underworld
Jailbreaking your phone or downloading apps from unverified sources puts your phone at risk. Apps downloaded from Google Play or Apple are vetted and anything that looks suspicious or dangerous is removed before it ever reaches users. Finding and downloading apps from other portals can invite malicious malware onto your device, giving others access to all your information. Unless you are an app designer, avoid any unfiltered application avenues or jailbreaking to keep your phone secured.

5.   Some Things Should Stay Home
Although, it is convenient to have all your information at the touch of a finger, it’s safest to leave your most important files at home. Losing them or compromising the information is not worth the risk. Heavy-duty files that need to be edited or transported should be done via a USB cable, or on a secure cloud portal.

6.   Less Is More When it Comes to Bluetooth, Personal Hotspots and Wi-Fi
For many of us, it’s convenient to constantly keep our Wi-Fi, hotspot and Bluetooth pairing on, but it also leaves an open gateway for hackers. These features are extremely helpful and should be used, but it’s best when you are on secure network. If the network is unsecured, do your best to access these features only when necessary. An added bonus? By not running these on the background of your phone, you save big time on your battery life.

We use our phones every day, they are our best sidekicks, personal assistants and touch point to stay in the know and on the go. Take a few minutes to make sure you keep them secure.

About Tech 2020 Solutions
Tech 2020 Solutions offers complete turnkey solutions for the technologies that drive your business, stores and secures your data and helps you communicate in and outside of your company.

Offering multiple levels of on-site and remote support, monitoring and maintenance for your data, IT, phones and peripheral equipment needs including: general IT Support and Services, Cloud Storage and Applications, Network Security, Back Up, Mobile Solutions, VoIP Phone Systems, Unified Communications, Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery and other Scalable Technologies.

Visit www.Tech2020solutions.com to learn more about Tech 2020 Solutions, or call 516-876-8761 or email info@Tech2020solutions.com.

Power Up with John Hassler is a blog distributed by Tech 2020 Solutions, and written by John Hassler, President and Founder of the company. To reach John, contact him at 516.876.8761 or via email at John.Hassler @Tech2020solutions.com. Connect on Linked In and Facebook.