My Computer Mechanic

Four Tips To Help Secure Your Smartphone

A Smartphone is supposedly the new frontier for hackers, virus writers, & cybercriminals. But they won't find your phone unprotected -- if you follow these 4 commonsense tips for better Smartphone security.

I've heard a lot of news lately about how a Smartphone is going to be the new battleground for techno-security issues. There are very few complaints about mobile viruses, but I thought it wouldn't hurt to give you a few ways that can help secure any Smartphone. (You'll notice this advice isn't much different than what I'd recommend to help you secure your notebook or desktop computer.)

• Protect your phone with a password. If your phone is lost or stolen, you can go a long way toward protecting your information if you've secured it with a password or a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can get more information on how to choose a good password here.
• Be careful when you install apps on your phone. Apps can do nearly everything these days, from streamlining your social networking to changing the channels on your TV. No matter what kind of phone you have, install apps from a trusted source. This means that they have been digitally signed, which reduces your risk. (This is the model used with Apple's iPhone, but not with Google's Android phone.)
• Install your phone's updates. Just as on your PC, you should install all updates for your phone & for the apps on your phone. I suggest you check with your cellular provider to determine the best way to do this.
• Make sure your Smartphone has a feature to help you find it if lost or stolen. Windows 7 includes a "Find My Phone" feature that allows you to find a lost phone, lock it remotely, and also wipe it remotely so that no one can get access to the information there. You can get more information, here. If you don't have a Windows Phone (and most people don't!), you can usually install a third-party app that can do this for you.

I do think it's entirely possible that a malicious app MIGHT appear someday or that someone will find a hole in the browser security that could compromise a Smartphone. But I don't see any evidence that it has happened yet.

BOTTOM LINE: I don't think it's time to run out and buy anti-virus protection for your Smartphone. But, with millions of new smartphones flooding the market, you can bet that hackers will be looking for any crack in the defenses. For now, I recommend exercising caution when installing apps, and being careful where you go on the Web. You can also check the website of your phone's manufacturer, and you cellular service carrier, to see if they recommend anti-virus software for your specific phone.