Quick, how many of you currently carry your tablet, phone, and/or laptop with you outside of the office or home? I bet my ski pass that you do, and I bet that most of you are not aware of the multitude of security issues those devices can bring to your doorstep while out in public. An individual can hack into your phone if you are logged into a device while on the same public Wi-Fi location, or steal your data-filled laptop out of your bag while you are ordering coffee before boarding your flight. The possibilities are limitless.
Many of us use electronic devices to check our emails, social networking sites, websites, and even our personal bank accounts on a daily basis. As you can see, these types of public “check-ins” expose you to many potential security issues.
As a financial firm, we like to provide you with a few steps that we found helpful to ensure security of personal information:
- Do not leave any personal information (such as bank account numbers, social security data, addresses, etc.) in a way that can easily be found on your devices. One way to protect this information is to apply encryption (as this article suggests) on sensitive documents that you access regularly. You can also use software that acts as a password manager to store an unlimited number of passwords and data under one roof, such as Folder Lock. That way you won’t need to affix a sticky note to your tablet with your sensitive information.
- Make it difficult to log on to your devices such as using password verification, voice activation, or fingerprint scanning. In addition, make sure the password is secure and not as simple as “12345”. This article by Microsoft reviews a variety of tools you can use to strengthen your passwords.
- Avoid accessing any personal files or websites such as banks while using an unsecure wireless hotspot. (An example of this big no-no is to go to a local coffee shop and access the free Wi-Fi connection to browse through your investment statements and bank accounts.) A hacker has the ability to easily steal information through this network and could have a field day with your personal information. This article by OnlineGuard.gov provides some good insight in how to safeguard you while in public spaces.
- Update your software with the latest security protection. Lagging software can make your phone or laptop prone to unwanted viruses, phishing scams, or other hacking technology. Some software tools available that may assist in preventing unwanted intruders are Lookout Mobile, Avast, and Norton.
- Manage your security on your preferred websites. Many websites now offer additional security options for your phone, computer or tablet. These tools are usually found within the “manage account” options on these web pages. Click this link for an example of a two-step verification process provided by LinkedIn that further ensures your information is secure in the event of an unauthorized login attempt.
This is not to be a full comprehensive list of what you should do to safeguard your information within the public arena, but a helpful guide. Be vigilant, and enjoy using your electronic devices safely!