Mobile Device Security

That smart phone you carry, or your tablet, or your laptop - they all contain important information about you, from photos and bank account information to credit card numbers and even your exact location at a given moment.

These devices make you just as susceptible to identity theft, phishing, and malware as your home or business computer does. Please think about the following precautions:

Keep it updated.

Having your operating system and apps up-to-date is the best defense against malware and other online threats.

Delete apps when done.

Many of us download apps for specific reasons, and now we no longer need them. It’s a good security practice to delete all apps you are not using.

Secure your device.

Use strong passwords and passcodes to lock your devices in case they are lost or stolen.

Personal info is like money.

Your personal information can be used to steal your identity and business information. Be thoughtful about who gets this information and how it’s collected through apps and websites.

Own your online presence.

Use security and privacy settings on apps and websites to manage what is shared about you and who sees it.

Be suspicious that you're being tracked.

Some stores and locations look for devices with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth enable in order to track your movements. Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use. This also saves battery life.

Be smart about Wi-Fi hotspots.

Public wireless networks and hotspots are not secure and could allow anyone to see what you are doing on your device. Limit yor activity on public Wi-Fi, and avoid logging in to key personal accounts like email or financial sites. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or a personal hot spot for a more secure connection. Lamar University provides secure remote access via VPN for employees and students. Click here for VPN instructions and downloads.

When in doubt, do not respond.

Phishing text messages, calls, and emails are on the rise. Don’t give out personal or financial information or usernames or passwords.

Be aware of the risk of "jailbreaking" your iPhone.

This invalidates your iPhone’s warranty and makes your phone less secure and more error-prone.

Don't download apps from untrusted sites.

Only download apps from trusted sites such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Pay close attention to each apps permissions

Make sure their not looking at personal information.