Mobile security should be a priority when attending crowded events like the World Cup in Brazil. Some tips for protecting your phone and data include only using trusted app stores, avoiding public Wi-Fi networks, and enabling passcodes and auto-lock on your device. It is also recommended to install security apps that allow you to locate your phone if lost or wiped private data if stolen.
4. THERE IS A LOT
GOING ON.
!
Protecting your phone and all of the data on it may be the
last thing on your mind, but taking a minute to think about
mobile security can save a lot of heartache later on.
5.
ALL IT TAKES IS A LITTLE
COMMON SENSE, CAUTION
AND THESE TIPS:
6.
STAY NATIVE
When you go to a new country, you probably don’t know
much about the app ecosystem, which could expose you
to threats you’re not even aware of.
7. TIP:
Make sure your device settings reflect your native or
regular IP address. The Google Play Store should be
available to your device as normal in Brazil, so keep using
the store as it will be subject to Google's usual scrutiny.
8.
DON’T DOWNLOAD
ON THE FLY
A quick “unofficial World Cup app” download may mean
downloading something scammy, especially if you don’t
have time to read through permissions.
9. TIP:
Use trusted markets like Google Play and the Apple app store when
downloading apps. Review all apps you download and consult the
official World Cup app list before clicking.
!
Make sure the Android system setting 'Unknown sources' is
unchecked to prevent dropped or drive-by-download app installs.
10. AVOID USING PUBLIC WI-FI
Your phone’s 3G or 4G data connection is probably more secure than
the Wi-Fi networks that thousands of people are using. Stick to a
secure connection, especially if you’ll be logging into accounts,
making purchases or entering any private information about yourself.
11. TIP:
Turn off Wi-Fi connectivity in your phone’s settings
unless you’re confident in network security.
12. WATCH YOUR MOBILE WALLET
$
You may come across Near Field Communication (NFC) mobile
payment stations around the World Cup to avoid having to
worry about carrying cash, but be cautious.
13. TIP:
Turn on NFC signals only when necessary so the personal
information stored in your phone doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
You can turn NFC on and off from your phone’s settings.
14. WATCH OUT FOR PHISHING
Does that email promising free tickets to the hottest games seem too good to
be true? It probably is. Phishing scams use email, text messages, Facebook,
and Twitter to send you links to websites that are designed to trick you into
providing information like passwords or account numbers. These messages
and sites are often very difficult to distinguish from legitimate sources.
15. TIP:
Do not click on links or open attachments in email messages
unless you can verify who sent them and what they sent.
16. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL…
ER…PHONE
From installing malware to taking the device itself, you never know
what might happen to your phone when you’re not watching it closely.
17. TIP:
Never leave your device unattended. It only takes a
moment for something bad to happen.
18. SET A PASSCODE
****
If somebody other than yourself does end up with your phone, a
password is the first line of defense for your personal data.
Read
the
blog
19. TIP:
To keep your information private, create a strong passcode
(read: not 1234 or 0000) for your phone and set your
screen to auto-lock within five minutes.
Read
the
blog
20. BE ABLE TO FIND YOUR SMARTPHONE
IF IT’S LOST OR STOLEN
You’re depending on your mobile phone for so much, including
maps to get around, a credit card via NFC, a news feed and
social communications. It may even hold your ticket back home.
It would be a big problem if your phone is lost or stolen.
21. TIP:
Install the Lookout app as a layer of insurance for phone
loss. You’ll be able to locate your lost phone and even lock
and wipe it if you want to protect your sensitive data.