5 essential tips to protect your mobile device - UNI Financial Cooperation

5 essential tips to protect your mobile device

5 essential tips to protect your mobile device
Your mobile device allows you to store a wealth of information and memories. But did you know that a mobile device holds as much personal information as a computer?

Since we always have them on us in public places and most applications open without a password, mobile devices are becoming more and more targeted by fraudsters. Regular mobile device users are now at risk of identity theft and malicious spying.

Adopt these 5 good habits to protect your personal information and the contents of your mobile device.

Lock your device
1. Lock your device

To keep attackers from taking control of your email, social media accounts, address book, etc.:
  • Make sure your device requires a password after 5 minutes of inactivity.
  • Use a strong password:
    • Activate the function that allows you to enter a complex, high security password. iOS and Android have this feature. Contact your mobile service provider.
    • Avoid sequences that are too simple or easy to enter on a keyboard such as 0000, 1234, 2580 (straight line) and 1379 (4 corners).
  • Don?t store your passwords on a notepad app.

Regularly update your system and apps
2. Regularly update your system and apps

Just like your computer, your mobile device must be updated on a regular basis to ensure its stability and security.
  • Configure your settings to have your device and apps updated automatically.
  • Download a mobile security app. Some are free.

Be careful how you use Wi-Fi networks
3. Be careful how you use Wi-Fi networks

Avoid making online purchases and financial transactions or sharing confidential information when you?re connected to a Wi-Fi network in a public area. Hackers could intercept your data.
  • Use a recognized, secured network requiring a password. OR
  • Use your device?s cell data plan. Make sure you don?t exceed your limit to avoid a hefty bill.

Download only recognized apps
4. Download only recognized apps

Mobile app stores offer a huge amount of software. Be careful, because some of them are malware. Download only from official app stores like Apple?s App Store and Google Play.

Before you download an app, as yourself the following questions:
  • How many people have downloaded it before me?
  • What do user comments say about the app?s quality?
  • What permissions does the app require?
When in doubt, select another app.
Plan for the loss or theft of your device
5. Plan for the loss or theft of your device

In addition to putting your personal information at risk, losing a mobile device also means losing a wealth of information and memories.
  • Regularly save your information to your personal computer.
  • Register your device with a remote tracking service.
  • Activate the remote data wipe function if you lose your device for good.
  • Before selling it or having it repaired, save your mobile device?s content to your personal computer and delete it. You can upload your data back into your device when you get it back.
  • If you have an external memory card, or SD card (on Android), remove the card from your device before selling it or having it repaired and find out how to encrypt the data so it?s unreadable without a password.


To set the security settings on your mobile device, see the user manual or contact your mobile service provider?s customer service department.

To learn more about mobile device security, go to www.getcybersafe.gc.ca.

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