Another interface (and increasingly so) to the online world is the mobile phone. Currently, the internet offers enough fodder to attackers however, as smart mobile phones become more prevalent, it will provide another avenue to attackers.
There are two aspects to mobile phone security.
1. Physical: Because phones are so small, they are easy targets for theft or simply being lost or misplaced. This means, that data on a phone including save passwords to websites on the online world are at a risk for loss. If you lose the phone or it gets stolen, the data on the phone is at risk of being misused. In such a case, it is very important to get the phone carrier to do a remote factory reset on the phone to ensure that any data on the phone is erased. In addition, the lost phone should be immobilized and deactivated. Make sure you report the theft to the police also.
2. Virtual: There are several virtual safety issues that exist with the use of a mobile phone.
The biggest asset you have (through your phone) is your phone number. As with any other personal information, you should be prudent about sharing your phone number with only people who you trust. This applies to sharing other people’s phone numbers also:)
If you get unverified or unsolicited text messages, you should think twice about responding. when you get a new phone, learn how to block any other phones/users on the phone to ensure that you do not get spammed/harassed on the phone.
In the US, you can get added to the National Do Not Call registry. 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236) or https://www.donotcall.gov/
Keep a watch out for SMS scams that use SMS messages to prompt you to make micro payments through the carrier. Be careful about sharing your phone with people who you do not know. Replying to unknown SMS could also infect your phone with a virus or charge your phone with huge charges.
Phones are becoming an avenue for cyber bullying. Make sure that you check you kids’ phones and notify carriers to stop such activities.
Several online sites now have functionality that allows users to send messages to mobile phones. To prevent misuse, make sure that your online profile does not have any personal information including your mobile phone number.
At the end of the day, mobile phones are just avenues to the internet. This means that anything you do to protect yourself on the internet is applicable to protecting yourself on your phone also!
