Personal Smartphone Security Guide

Here are seven different ways users can keep their smartphones secure and avoid unnecessarily compromising their privacy and personal information.

Using Passwords on the Phone and Within Apps

Passwords provide the first level of protection on a smartphone. Aside from requiring a password to access the phone, it is also possible to set up passwords for certain apps to provide an added layer of security. This makes it more difficult for someone picking up a smartphone to access all of the secure information it contains.

• Smartphone at Risk for Fraud - This resource, courtesy of the University of Baltimore, offers a true/false quiz, statistics about smartphone use, and protection tips.
• Safer Smartphones: A Guide to Keeping Your Device Secure (PDF) - This document outlines nine different steps that users can take to protect themselves from the security risks that are often created when using a smartphone.
• Best Practices for All Mobile Handheld Devices - Cornell University provides students with an extensive list of tips for all types of mobile devices, including smartphones.
• 10 Steps to Smartphone Security (PDF) - These ten tips offer lots of different ways that individuals can protect their privacy and personal information when using a smartphone.

Security Software

The risk of malware is increasing as hackers continue to gain access to mobile devices. Everything from a suspicious email to downloading an app could be an opportunity for malware to be installed on a device. Security software can provide a wall between the malware and the smartphone.

• Smartphone Users Should Be Aware of Malware Targeting Mobile Devices - The Internet Crime Complaint Center created a public service announcement detailing some of the current malware affecting smartphones.
• How to Encrypt Cell Phones - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill explains how encryption software for smartphones works and how to select an encryption option if the phone comes with one.
• Cyber Security and Threats: The Need for Antivirus Applications for Smartphones - This article breaks down the ways that security can be compromised for each type of smartphone operating system and offers statistical data about certain types of smartphone security breaches.
• The paranoid's survival guide: How to protect your personal data - In addition to tips for protecting privacy when using a smartphone, this site details other ways to be conscious of the transfer of personal data.

Avoiding Public Wi-Fi

While public Wi-Fi is convenient, it poses a risk to smartphone users. It is possible for others to use a Wi-Fi network to gain access to the information contained on someone else's smartphone. It is important to look for secure Wi-Fi connections or use the connection provided by the smartphone's coverage provider instead.

• Coffeeshop: Easy Security for Public Wi-Fi (PDF) - Students from Berkeley came up with an explanation of why public Wi-Fi is a security risk and solved the issue with a product called Coffeeshop that secures their information.
• Protecting Data on Your Phone - In addition to listing some of the risks that smartphone users encounter, this site offers several solutions to consider.
• Guidelines for Managing the Security of Mobile Devices (PDF) - The National Institute of Standards and Technology details how to securely use a mobile device in the workplace.
• Using Your Smartphone Securely (PDF) - In addition to an explanation of security risks, this newsletter offers ten tips for keeping personal information safe.

Bluetooth Vulnerability

Bluetooth is another great example of an added convenience that can lead to increased security risk. Today's cybercriminals use methods like bluejacking and bluebugging to create a security threat on a smartphone. There are ways to protect the phone from Bluetooth access and avoid the invasion of privacy.

• Mobile Security Threats - MySecureCyberspace, created by Carnegie Mellon University, provides information about the first known mobile phone malware and how Bluetooth leaves users susceptible to security threats.
• Cyber Threats to Mobile Phones (PDF) - The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team provides steps to protect a smartphone and details some of the risks and consequences that users might face if their phone is hacked into.
• Mobile Security Tips (PDF) - The NJCU Department of Information Technology provides safety tips, including an explanation of how Bluetooth can create smartphone security risks.
• Consumer Guide to Wireless Device Security (PDF) - In addition to other helpful tips, this document focuses on some of the risks of using Bluetooth, including bluejacking and bluebugging.

App Permissions

How many apps are downloaded on the average smartphone? Unfortunately, not all apps are harmless. In reality, some of the apps that may seem unimposing on the outside are actually gaining access to all sorts of personal information from the smartphone. This could include a person's location or even information about other individuals connected to the smartphone user.

• Mobile Apps Put Your Security at Risk - The National Security Institute explains how different apps often come with privacy issues that many smartphone users are unaware of.
• Defending Users Against Smartphone Apps: Techniques and Future Directions (PDF) - This document explains some of the risks that come with downloading apps and explains how the process of granting permissions works.
• How to Protect Yourself From Wireless Threats - Consumer Reports explains some of the malware that can affect smartphones and explains how privacy can be invaded by apps.
• Smartphone Privacy and Security - This site offers a wealth of information about smartphone security, including a clear explanation of how apps gain access to personal information.

Back Up Data

Most people understand the importance of backing up data on the computer. Because smartphones can perform many of the same tasks, they also need to be backed up on a regular basis to avoid the loss of information. Backing up data also comes in handy should a smartphone need to be remotely "wiped clean" to remove personal information from its contents if it is lost or stolen.

• Backing Up Data - Emory Libraries and Information Technology offers information about why data should be backed up and how to secure the backup information.
• Disposal of Your Mobile Device - According to the Federal Trade Commission, it is important to dispose of a smartphone properly in order to avoid security risks even after the phone is no longer in use.
• Smartphone Security Checker - The FCC offers a free security checker for users to examine their specific smartphones for potential risks.
• Best Practices for Smartphone Security - After an explanation of security threats, this site offers ten tips for keeping a smartphone safe, including backing up and securing data.

Remote Lock/Delete Apps

If a smartphone falls into the hands of the wrong person, the effects can be devastating. There are different ways to remotely lock a smartphone so that it cannot be used by anyone else. It is also possible to remove information from a smartphone that is no longer in the possession of the owner. These apps are a great way to add a safety net to the phone's security should it be lost or stolen.

• Deter Smartphone Thieves and Protect Data - The Wireless Association explains what smartphone users can do before the phone is stolen to avoid data loss and the theft of personal information.
• Mobile Device Cybersecurity - This resource for students details how to take the security of a smartphone (both physically and electronically) seriously.
• Outsmarting Phone Thieves - The New York City Police Department provides detailed steps for preventing theft as well as the loss of privacy should the phone be stolen.
• Smartphone Configuration Settings (PDF) - The University of Washington offers tips for employees to protect personal and university information, including remote wipe services.