With society’s increasing reliance on mobile devices, it is crucial to secure those devices. These practical tips can help you guard against digital threats seeking to expose your personal information and data:
- Use strong, unique passwords or other authentication methods, such as biometrics, to help protect your data. Passwords should be 16 or more characters and contain letters, numbers and special characters. Consider using a password manager that helps design those hard-to-crack passwords, requiring you to remember just one “master password.” Also, be sure to sign out of apps after you use them.
- Use multifactor authentication (MFA) when offered. With MFA, you will be required to enter your password and authenticate your identity through a second method, such as a passcode sent via a text message or email.
- Be cautious when connecting to free public Wi-Fi. Ask the business or facility the name of the official Wi-Fi network and assume everyone can see what you’re doing when connected to it. Do not provide personal information or type in passwords while using an unsecured public Wi-Fi network.
- Install and regularly update reputable apps, anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, and operating systems. If available, opt to have the programs update automatically to ensure effectiveness against new viruses and bugs. Remove apps you no longer use.
- Only use official app stores such as Google Play and Apple’s App Store to download applications. Downloading free apps from unknown sources may lead to malware and put personal information at risk.
- Review apps’ permissions to ensure that you’re not allowing apps to collect data you don’t want to share, such as your location. To review apps’ permissions, look for guidance for iPhone and Android devices. Permissions may be stored in the app, in your device’s settings or both.
- Back up your data, including contacts and photos, in case your device is compromised. Automated backups to a cloud server or another source can save you time and effort; backups are often done overnight, when you aren’t typically using the device.
- If your device is lost or stolen, use resources based on the operating system you use to find, lock and/or erase the contents.
- Track location: iPhone - Find Devices; Android - Find My Device
- Lock: iPhone - Lost Mode; for newer Android phones - Remote Lock
- Erase data: iPhone and Android
- Only recycle or dispose of a mobile device once the hard drive is wiped clean. If needed, take the device to a professional to be sure that all information is deleted before recycling, selling or disposing of the device.
In addition, there have been reports of scam emails and text messages appearing to come from Apple and Google related to accounts. Generally, Apple will not make unsolicited phone calls or send communications to you requesting passwords or other personal information. Google typically contacts customers by email from an @google.com domain or through in-product account alerts. Google never asks for payment or other sensitive information over the phone.
If you suspect a scam or an unfair business practice, contact the Attorney General's Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.