How to Make Sure Your Mobile Tech is Safe | Fraser Valley Tech Support

The era of smartphones has changed the world we live in… and the way we do business. Our phones have become our go-to for… well… pretty much everything! Their jobs range from checking emails and googling directions, to taking payments and online banking… and even pre-paying and ordering your next coffee at Starbucks! Many of us even have work phones or carry work information on our personal phones.

Today, there are 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world.  That is 3.5 billion users with complete access to their lives in their pockets. And this valuable access makes them prime targets for cyber criminals. That is why it’s important to learn how to keep them safe. Since it is the theme of this year’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, we are here to help protect your work phones!

Common Threats to Watch Out For

Phishing – this is one of the most common threats. It can be in the form of fraudulent emails, texts, social media messages, and even phone calls.

These will often ask you to log in somewhere, verify an account with information only you know, or threaten you. They might even try to convince you to download malware. Cyber criminals will say anything to convince you that they are a legitimate company or person to get you to release your personal data to them or to download their malware.

Malicious Apps – There were 204 billion apps downloads in 2019 worldwide. So, it is not surprising to see cyber criminals now use apps to sneak into your phone! Their malicious apps are often fake apps but may look and even function like regular apps. The apps may appear innocent (or even useful) but they can pose a number of cyber security risks – from installing malware to stealing your personal information. Careful what you put on your work phone!

Unsecured Wi-Fi – A subtle tactic in the war to obtain your data! The public Wi-Fi at your local café may seem easy to use and helpful. But, is the one you are seeing legit? Criminals will often create fake networks on your Wi-Fi list that appear safe at a glance. Whereas they are actually traps designed to steal your personal data.

Device theft – Something this small and this valuable is easy prey to the opportunist thief.

How to Protect Your Work Phone

Here are a few things to help:

Be wary of suspicious messages or phone calls – and never give personal information or log-in data if the message asking for them seems suspicious. (Especially if you were not expecting it!) If you are not sure whether the message or phone call is real, hang up and look up the contact details of the company or government department. Then contact them directly. Now you are in control! Also, do not forget that the CRA and other government agencies will never threaten you or use aggressive language when contacting you.

Beware of what apps you load onto your work phone. Only download apps from trusted sources and be wary of any app that asks for more info than it needs to do its job. When it asks for permission to access areas of your phone, read the list of permissions before you click “OK”. If the permissions seem invasive or confusing, or do not make sense for what the app is supposed to do, either don’t download the app or delete it if you’ve already done so.

Be careful of using public Wi-Fi sources (e.g. at airports & coffee shops). If you are using your work phone for business, look into having company policies on public Wi-Fi use. Provide VPN technology to your employees if needed. Make sure that when you are accessing a network that is secured, verified, and does not demand any personal information for you to join. When in doubt, ask a store employee which network to use so that you can ensure you are not putting yourself at risk of network spoofing.

Use multi-factor authentication – this is the practice of using multiple ways to verify that you are you! It makes it much more difficult for cyber criminals to access info on your device if it gets lost or stolen. Start with a strong passcode, phrase, or pattern that only you know. Then, combine it with either facial recognition or a thumb print.

Also…

Keep your OS up-to-date, as well as your apps.

Do not allow employees to use jailbroken or rooted devices for their work phones.

Educate employees on the dangers of mobile malware.

If you need help with setting up your work phone to be safer, or what company policies to bring in for protection, our team is here to help! Send an email to support@terravistatech.com or call 604-210-9811.