security measures you should take to secure your mobile device

11:19 AM Add Comment
security measures you should take to secure your mobile device -

Did you know that people are much more likely to lose their mobile device than a laptop or even a tablet?

Fifteen times more likely, to be precise. Losing a mobile device is the most common threat to the information stored on them. A high percentage of people also claim that it would be devastating for them if they were to lose their mobile device if they were to lose their wallet.

Now that is something to say.

Yet, when we look at the statistics, it is almost astonishing that more than half of all smartphone users do not rely on a password to lock their phone and protect sensitive information and precious. Just over 50% do not take this one, simple step to ensure the safety and security of their phone.

Consumers in the digital age store more "active" and information on their mobile devices, up to tens of thousands of dollars of potential losses, as never before, but this information is not protected from the way we protect money. In 2015, it is expected that there will be 500 million people who do their banking on mobile devices. Mobile banking, then, is one of the main concerns of security experts and security.

Even if you do not store a lot of personal information on your mobile device, there are digital fingerprints that could lead a savvy pirate what they want, what is your sensitive and private information. However, there are steps you can (and should) take to ensure your information is protected and secure, as you sit in a cafe or have your stolen mobile device.

The five key steps you must take to lock your mobile device.

1. Use a password to lock and unlock your mobile device

This may seem like common sense, but for more than half of all mobile users do not rely on a password, it is quite recall. Yes, it can be inconvenient at times when you want to check something quickly, but that extra two seconds it takes to enter the password when you want to access your mobile device is low compared to what you could lose by not taking this simple step.

Never use an easily identifiable password like your birth date, or date of birth of your best friend or favorite pet. Use a random number and write it down in a safe place in case you happen to forget. Since most people use their phones or other mobile device on a daily basis, it is unlikely that you want to forget even the most random password.

2. Install security applications such as anti-virus or anti-malware

You may have thought that anti-virus and anti-malware programs are only for computers laptops and other main computers, but they are vital for smartphones and other mobile devices. Whenever you are connected to the Internet, either through a mobile operator or open WiFi hotspot, you are exposed to potential threats.

3. Turn off GPS when you do not need

Many smartphones and applications ask you now activate GPS and location sharing to enhance the functionality and interactivity . While this may be useful in some situations such as when you need to route to a familiar location it can also leave you vulnerable to hackers or criminals. To prevent hackers from being able to identify your exact location at any given time, make sure you know how to turn off GPS and location sharing. Most smartphones, it is very easy to review and change the status of applications that have GPS enabled.

4., private Encrypt Sensitive information on your mobile device

Anything you plan to send over the Internet or from your mobile device, if it is sensitive, such that financial information, bank accounts, or connection details should be encrypted before it is sent. There are a number of applications you can find this effectively encrypt all your most sensitive information.

According to a recent study, there are approximately 100 million public WiFi hotspots worldwide in airports, coffee shops and hotels, and about 89% of them are not secure. With many companies offering free Wi-Fi that does not use any kind of encryption technology (WEP, WPA, WPA2), strengthening the security of your own mobile device may be useful in preventing theft of personal information and Datas.

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) applications such as Hotspot Shield VPN for Android or iPhone HotspotShield VPN is one of the best ways to secure your browsing session. The application secures your Internet by encrypting all Internet communication in and out of your device with HTTPS encryption. Thus, nobody can track your activities on the Internet and no one can steal your private and personal information while the application is active.

5. Keep your mobile device updated

Do not hack your phone to perform functions it was not designed to, and always accept the most current patches and recommended by the manufacturer of the operating system. Each operating system, due to the size of the code, will have vulnerabilities within them. That's why companies create patches-to try to improve performance, but also to help protect your system against hackers, damage, and loss of sensitive information. Keep your mobile device updated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of having hacked.

There are a number of other measures and strategies you can take to lock your mobile device, and security measures more you take, the more it will be protected. However, it is difficult and probably impossible to completely secure and protect any type of mobile device in the digital world. If a hacker is savvy enough and have the right tools, he or she might break into a mobile device, given enough time.

This can make it seem as if there is not much you can do, but every backup you put up is one more obstacle that hackers will have to overcome to access your private information .

you spent a lot of money for your mobile device and probably a huge amount of importance, private information contained on it. Take preventive measures and to lock your device down to ensure that your information remains protected even if your device falls into the wrong hands.

How you can get involved during National Cyber ​​Security Awareness Month

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How you can get involved during National Cyber ​​Security Awareness Month -

The month of October is National Cyber ​​Security Awareness Month. This year marks the 10 e NCSAM anniversary and the theme is Our shared responsibility .

With each passing year, the Internet becomes a part increasingly integral part of our daily lives. At home, school, work or on the road, we use the Internet to communicate, learn and play. In addition, the Internet is also used for sensitive financial transactions, data storage, monitoring of health care - and the list continues. This is where the theme Our shared responsibility links in. The internet connects everyone, so any responsibility for individual actions to secure Internet for everyone. We can not rely solely on the companies or the government for us to handle. We must take charge of our own security and confidentiality. One of the simple things we can do is engage in safe Internet practices and educate others on how to promote cybersecurity.

In honor of National Cyber ​​Security Awareness Month, we created an infographic Meet the Crooks Behind identity theft , which presents startling facts about identity theft and how it can be avoided by following the simple steps online. Identity theft is a serious problem and affects people of all ages - even children and the elderly

Have you or someone you know looking at your credit card statement only to find a huge balance and tons of shopping that you made? There are chances that you were a victim of identity theft. Identity theft is when an unauthorized person steals your private information and used maliciously to their advantage -. typically for financial gain

The chances of identity theft happens to you are much greater than you think. Identity theft is growing 15-20% annually and affects more people of all ages each year. In fact, 12.6 million people were victims of identity theft in 2012 alone. The number of identity theft victims is so high because many of us are not aware of the dangers of the Internet and identity thieves easy ways to steal information.

Meet the Crooks behind identity theft introduces you guys thieves to monitor and provides ways to protect yourself against identity theft and cybercrime.

We strongly recommend that you pass along our infographic to your friends, family and the community as a good way to share the responsibility. To find more ways to participate, visit the National Cyber ​​Security Alliance website. Together we can make the Internet safe and secure for everyone

For facts and awareness resources for additional cybersecurity please visit :. Intel.com/lifehacks.

What 'Passpoint WiFi and why should you do care

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What 'Passpoint WiFi and why should you do care -

According to the Wi-Fi Alliance, there are more than one million points WiFi access points worldwide. Moreover, a report by the market research company Informa Telecoms and Media (Informa.com) indicates that the number of wireless access points are set to grow to 5.8 million worldwide over the next four years .

While it is good to have acess to WiFi everywhere we go, there are problems with connectivity and security flawless. First, the connection process in most hotspot environments can be heavy. In addition, public WiFi is wide open and vulnerable to wireless sniffers. Without the protection of a VPN (virtual private network), data on your wireless devices are vulnerable to criminals.

In cooperation with device manufacturers and service providers, a new program was set up to treat seemless connection and security issues.

as the Wi-Fi Alliance

"Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint ™ will change the way users connect to WiFi hotspots networks by making the search process and to obtain access to the right seamless network. It also provides user connections with WPA2 ™ security protection, which allows you to feel confident that your data is secure. mobile devices that are certified for Passpoint such as phones and tablets, can still be used in existing hotspots. However, when you are in a Passpoint hotspot on, you will discover a newly smooth connectivity experience. "

an additional benefit WiFi for seamless means less use of data on the network 3 / 4G carrier. With carriers about nixing unlimited data usage, consumers find they need to update their data plans so they do not exceed their limit. With Passpoint, data usage will drop when WiFi connections happen effortlessly.

This is great news for millions of people who now use their digital wireless devices exclusively. But always keep in mind that no matter what you use, laptop, tablet, mobile player or cordless phone is inherently insecure and up Passpoint becomes as ubiquitous, such as a VPN Hotspot Shield VPN is also a essential layer of protection for your wireless devices.

Robert Siciliano on Google+

How you remove the Internet

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How you remove the Internet -

You can make "disappear" from the Internet. But be warned :. Most of the following tactics are irreversible

This includes the loss of all marketing presence you have built over the years that can bring you business, and it can also make it impossible to restart a disposal account with the same name or email address.

So before you start the process of erasing your fingerprints, ask yourself why you want to go first. Are you just a private person and do not want your personal information where everyone can see? Or you feel threatened in some way (eg cyberstalking)?

Re-evaluate your reasons before proceeding. After all, you can create multiple email accounts, for example, where one is strictly for business and one is strictly for the family. And during the recording of any new media sites or advice of the social forum, you can use a pseudonym. Nevertheless, here are some tips on removing your cyber life.

1) Remove Accounts

systematically go through each account and delete. To catch all the accounts you already have, because it is possible that you can not remember some, go through this list:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace
  • StumbleUpon
  • Flickr
  • eBay, Amazon, craigslist
  • PayPal
  • support forums (medical, parenting, animal property, business, etc.)
  • gaming sites
  • content sites that you wrote to
  • freelance job sites
  • The local online newspaper where you are registered to post comments to articles

2) How to delete your Facebook account

Go to account security settings -disable the account. This takes you to the profile, but the account remains just in case you change your mind. To completely eradicate the account, going to delete my account and click the blue button.

3) How to remove your Twitter account

Go to Settings account-disable my account Ok, fine, disable account. "Deactivate" means to remove in this case, but you have a 30 day grace period to change their minds.

4) How to remove your LinkedIn account

Go to privacy settings and account-Close your account.

5) How to delete your Google+ account

to just delete your information, click on your name / email address (upper right corner). Go to the Delete-management account profile and remove associated Google+ features-Delete Google+ content.

To remove the entire Google+ account, repeat the above, then tap Delete your entire Google profile. You'll still be able to use, for example, your email (gmail), but to eradicate every molecule of Google+ (eg, email, calendar), go to your home page and click Close account and delete all services and info associated with it.

Wipe residues

with the four major parties, now go after smaller accounts. This includes the forum card you registered 10 years ago to support adult acne, but never published anything. To help track everything down, use:

  • account Killer - This tool provides direct links for each account deletion page
  • KnowEm - This tool searches username hundreds of social. sites.

then remove personal information from background check sites. This involves more complex procedures.

Hide Your Digital Tracks using a VPN service

If you want to continue using the Internet, but protect your privacy, one of the best ways to surf the Internet anonymously using a VPN service. A VPN service can hide your IP address and also encrypt all your Internet communications, so nosy or prevent anyone from tracking your online activities or intercept your communications.

Robert Siciliano on Google+

Security Risks of BYOD

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Security Risks of BYOD -

More and more consumers to own smart phones or tablets and put to work. Some companies adopt the "bring your own device" trend or "BYOD" without fully understanding the implications of security risks.

When employees use their mobile devices badly, they put their companies at risk for data breaches. This includes leaving a lot of sensitive data on devices, which can open the door to data leakage and other issues.

current security measures are lagging behind the increase in mobile device utilization in the field of business.

a study by Glasgow University has not only shown that many sensitive company information has been left on the handsets, but personal information and was left on, put employees as well as society at risk in case of violation.

This small study shows a clear need for guidelines and improving policies governing the use of personal smartphones devices and employee safety devices. This becomes even more relevant as companies are increasingly turning to cloud storage for data.

unauthorized software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications used by employees, is widespread, according to a McAfee study. These applications are not approved by the company's IT department. Employees can easily bypass the IT department using the cloud. The study showed:

  • Over 80 percent of survey participants reported using SaaS unauthorized applications
  • About 35 percent of SaaS applications used on work are not approved
  • Approximately 15 percent of users had a security problem using SaaS.

employees may not realize that their chosen SaaS applications are poorly controlled. These employees are not malicious; they are just trying to be more efficient. Companies must find the right balance to protect themselves while enabling employees to use applications for enhanced productivity.

An ideal situation would be to monitor SaaS applications and apply policies that inhibit the ability of employees to be productive. [

A recent Forbes article caught my attention and the author's solutions make good business sense

Six solutions

1) XenMobile - This allows it to secure and manage smartphones, data and applications, and establish policies based on smartphone ownership, location or status. Users can easily access the web, email, business applications and documents with a single click on a mobile device

2) Airwatch -. This system provides mobile device management applications, content and e-mail, to oppose mismanagement inadvertently smartphones by employees (eg, store documents in vulnerable locations)

simply enter the username and password. Airwatch will wirelessly and automatically configure all settings, applications, security policies and according to the role of the worker in the company

3) MobileIron -. This system manages and secures applications, devices and content, ideal for companies that support the BYOD program. personal content can be separated from corporate content, the protection of personal data of the employee

4) good dynamic platform for secure mobility -. This is a BYOD program that maintains employee productivity while zeroing on safety. Personal data is partitioned from business data to protect programs such as e-mail

5) Samsung Knox -. This system is for Android devices, management with a seat tiered approach. A network will be protected against malware, hacking, viruses and unapproved access

6) Protect your BYOD on wireless networks. - Use VPN if you are on a wireless handheld device. Hotspot Shield VPN is free, although its paid version is an expanded and faster. Hotspot first launch before using your laptop PC, iPad or iPhone to connect to Wi-Fi as free public services at the airport or at a cafe or hotel.

The totality of your browsing session on the Web will be protected. All your connections are guaranteed. This will eliminate some of aggravation for your company's IT department.

Robert Siciliano on Google+

Monetizing User Data: The Case of clickable consent

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Monetizing User Data: The Case of clickable consent -

You probably do not realize how valuable your information is to an online business. Every website owner who knows how to market monetizes user data for future marketing campaigns.

When you enter any type of information in an online form, the information is stored, processed and analyzed in several different reports.

Big Companies, Big Data and monetization

Big and small websites monetize your data. Small businesses use data to increase sales. Large companies can use data mining and large data to store terabytes of information. Big data analysis has become so intelligent that data can tell companies what products you are more compelled to buy what your demographics mean for sales and products UpSell when you shop.

Although small companies use your data, large enterprises are those that make the news. Companies such as Google, Yahoo, Facebook and LinkedIn are the last to make the news with new lawsuits in the state of California.

The question is not only information that you agree to allow these companies to use. The problem is that you probably do not know the extent the wealth of data about the companies and how your personal information is stored. Your address and name are not the only elements stored information.

Companies use personal photos, the contents of emails, private messages and contact lists. online companies have made about $ 40 billion in 2013 based off of sales of your private data. Of this $ 40 billion, Google would have 40% of turnover. This information includes your photos to social media, the content of email and personal contact lists.

Big business and the ongoing investigations of privacy and prosecution

pursuing complaints especially mention the social media data. Users of social media naively open to posting personal information to social media accounts thinking they will share with friends and relatives. Facebook was one of the first companies to face allegations and prosecute privacy. Facebook introduced ads to its social media network in 06. To target ads to your Facebook page, the company needed to operate your data. The company has taken too far when he decided to use the data you post on your wall and images that you upload to the site.

A Swiss company Security investigated these large companies to identify whether they were scan data. The company used several secret URLs and never used before entering the social networking web pages 50 companies. In its investigation, Google, Facebook and Twitter have opened these URLs, proving that they were scanning and reading the information sent through private channels supposed.

Privacy concerns do not stop the URL. Social media sites use photos and messages to identify your interests. When you mark a friend in a photo, the company can also analyze your interest with friends "and then target your friends. Facebook was sued over the issue in 2011. The result has cost Facebook $ 20 million, and the company was forced to rewrite the rules for users to read. Facebook was also forced to implement functionality within the application allowing users to have more control over how the information was extracted and used to serve ads. The trial is now in the appeal process.

More recently, Google has been named in a lawsuit that alleged the company email scanned to serve ads. Google has two advertising networks: Adwords and Adsense. Adwords is used by advertisers to buy ads on the results pages of search engines and on content sites that use Adsense. Adsense is the content network that pays website owners to display these advertisements on their websites. Google admitted electronically scanned in the Gmail system of the company. When you open a Gmail email, company analysis for certain keywords and use these keywords to show ads. The result is your data stored in Google's database and allegedly sold to advertisers target your interests.

LinkedIn is the latest to join the fray. LinkedIn was found to analyze and use external private contact lists of users. A current user LinkedIn found that the company used data from its contact list on a private account email domain abandoned. The user claims to have created a LinkedIn account using an email address that has never been used. He alleges that read LinkedIn contacts list information without authorization while connected on the LinkedIn site.

The pressure exerted by the United Kingdom

The UK has stricter laws on privacy than the United States. Because these three giants of the web are American companies, the UK is increasing its pressure on these companies to ensure better awareness for users and reduce the use of private mining information data marketing. The UK already has stricter laws cookies. To comply with UK laws, website owners must inform readers that the site puts cookies on the computer of the user. The notification window must ask user's permission to implement cookies or site owner can face a penalty.

The European Union is also rewriting the rules can cost US companies millions in fines if they do not comply with confidentiality rules. The EU wants to refine the business to 100 million euros for violating laws on privacy.

Even with the trials and the possibility of greater transparency when capturing data, you can always be proactive and protect your privacy. If you use social media sites, be careful what type of data you share on the internet. When you enter information in online forms, enter only the very minimum amount of private information. For even more security, block cookies if they are not necessary for a website to function. Sites such as Google use cookies to personal results, but we do not need cookies for the search engine to function.

Always keep your encrypted data if you go through platforms such as email or instant messaging. Finally, read the fine print when you agree to allow a company to use your information for marketing campaigns.

How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

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How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online -

Every parent must know all the ways they can keep their children safe in the online world. In 2013, the study of McAfee, Digital Deception: Online disconnecting Exploration between parents and children s, it was found that:

  • 86% of children think social sites are safe and after personal information such as their e-mail addresses (50%) and phone numbers (32%)
  • 48% looked at the contents of their parents disapprove
  • 29% of adolescents accessing pirated illegal digital media
  • 12% of adolescents met an online foreign and worldwide physical
  • 54% of children say their parents are involved in their digital life at all
  • 42% say their parents simply do not care what they do online
  • 17% of parents believe that the online world is as dangerous as the offline world
  • 74% of parents have thrown in the towel and are exhausted with their children digital lives.

The latter stat is not just scary, it's sad. Because protecting your children online is not an option, it is a requirement. It is not about technology, it is a parental issue. . And parents who say "I give up" are waive protect their children against harm

This is a basic road map of what to be aware of:

  • This dirty-sites just do not mean a porn site that the teenager decides to check after stumbling on it accidentally. There are sites that promote weapons, drugs, school cheating, even how to starve to dangerously low body weight
  • harmful contacts -. Your child may be in contact with anyone in the world, without even knowing it, and this contact may be a pedophile building confidence in your child a trust that leads to a meeting in person
  • information overload -. your children know what and what not to blab about the cyber world? Going on vacation soon? The whole world can know (and the world understands the burglars) after your chatty said child while on Facebook
  • Sitting Disease -. Sitting at the computer for hours not only can interfere with sleep and disrupt the vigilance of the next school day, but excessive sitting can cause weight gain and bad posture, the more propensity to snack on junk food
  • bullying online -. Yes, the words (even typed) can really hit harder than fists. Cyberbullying leaves traces that are just as invasive as a black swollen eye
  • Pirated content -. If your child does not have money, but tons of digital files such as movies and music, it can be a pirate. lawsuits are filed against parents who do not control their children's online activities
  • Hacking -. Today, children are either hacking or other being hacked themselves. Know what your children are doing and how to protect your devices is essential.

What can parents do?

Give your children that you want them to be treated. This includes online. Establish specific rules concerning the use of the computer and where they can visit online. Instruct your children to quickly report online behavior threatening or insulting.

Consider installing parental control software. A parental control program in its fundamental form will allow a parent to decide which category of sites are off-limits and how long a child can spend online. The software is designed to prevent the child to turn it off. McAfee Family Protection allows parents access from a PC.

Parental controls also come in the form of equipment, but can not provide a more sophisticated control. parental control applications exist for mobile, giving greater control that the software that is filtered at the router. Apps are available for Android, iOS, or both

What is illegal for your boss to work for you to do is perfectly legal for you to make your children :. Use spyware to track their keystrokes, take screenshots, snags passwords, etc. Spector Pro and PC Pandora are examples. However, for most children, this level of control is not necessary. But they are valuable if a child in difficulty may be interacting with a pedophile, or if your child is very curious just rebel.

Install security software. It is not enough to have an antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing and firewall. You must also protect all wireless communications with Hotspot Shield VPN that locks their WiFi hacks prevention devices.

know who they communicate with. At any given time, and the time it would require a parent can control the devices and openly discuss ongoing conversations had. If the parent can not respond to the person or persons the parents, the child should not be exposed to talk to them.

Require the device and passwords. No matter where they go online or other devices they own, the parent must have full access at any time.