With the continued rise of the rugged Android phones, there are security issues to consider. Android phones are like mini-computers. They can store data that can be accessed via email, a cloud-based web program, or some form of internal or external storage.
Use Password Protection
It’s not challenging to add password protection to your phone. It’s likely in your phone’s security settings. If you can’t find the alternative, check the Internet or your phone’s manual to see how to enable it. Most people protect their computer with a password but don’t feel the need to protect a mobile device, although this is the first security measure you should take.
Wipe Phone Data
Remote wipe will erase all the data on your phone and restore all the factory settings. This is not something you want to do unless you are sure you have lost your phone. To set up a remote wipe, you’ll need to sign up for a paid MobileMe account if you have an iPhone. You will then need to set up your phone to allow the wiping process when necessary. Android phones with version 2.2 have remote wipe built-in, but you’ll also need Exchange. It’s a free app from the Android Marketplace that allows you to wipe from the Mobile Defense website.
Don’t Save Sensitive Data
If you use your phone for your online banking or access all your favorite websites, don’t set your smartphone up with automatic password reminders. If your phone crashes or is taken by someone else, your account is easily accessible. Many people have their location and language stored on their phone – this information can be used fraudulently if the phone is lost or stolen.
Be Careful About What You Click
The advantage of smartphones is that hundreds and hundreds of apps and games add to their functionality. Use only official app stores. Otherwise, you might inject malicious code into the app that will introduce a virus into your phone.