Smartphones are all the rage today. They are mini-computers, an ever-present link to email, the internet and a vital part of any executive’s, businessmen or even college student’s life. With more than 100 million Americans using smart phones, they are ubiquitous. In 2012, in a report by Consumer Reports there were 7.1 million smartphones that were damaged, lost or stolen. Many of these phones are not cheap in any way, but according to the same study by Consumer Reports almost half of all smartphone users don’t take advantage of the modern security measures that exist today. Only 22 percent of smartphone users have installed locator software in case they are ever lost or stolen.
39 percent of smartphone users don’t even use basic security measures. Smartphones can be locked or set to lock automatically when not in use. Users should create a strong passcode to prevent a thief from gaining quick access to your sensitive information . Most smartphones use one of three types of passcodes. Some use a PIN, or number that must be entered. Others use a password, and others use a pattern drawn by the users’ finger.
Consumer Reports recommends that smartphone users take four precautions at the very least. First, the strong passcode should include a capital letter, lower case letters, numbers or special characters. Second, don’t install apps from companies you don’t know, sometimes these apps can harbor viruses or dangers? Third, be aware of insecure Wi-Fi connections and don’t use the web on your phone in unsecured locations. Fourth, turn off GPS and location tracking when you aren’t using it. This may allow someone unfettered access to your phone.
As mobile banking rises, using smartphones to access your bank account will increase. They look for easiest and brisk way of communication and Smartphone’s do full justice to it. This only further underscores the need to make sure your smartphone is secure.
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