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East District Blotter

Mobile Device Safety and Security Tips

October 1, 2012 8:36 AM

1. Don't text and drive – it can kill you or someone else. Don't text and walk – you can get hurt badly. Pay attention to the world and the people around you – you mobile devices can intrude on personal relationships.

2. Never send nude or suggestive pictures of yourself or talk or text with strangers about sex using your mobile device. You never know where your pictures or words will end up, or who will see them. The consequences can be devastating.

3. Protect your mobile device like you would your purse or wallet. The information it potentially contains, and the device itself are valuable to a thief.

4. Only keep geo location, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi features on your mobile devices active when you are using them. Be aware that social networking sites may automatically post your location if you have geo location enabled. Don't check in with your location if you're alone.

5. Secure your phone or tablet by using a pass code. An unauthorized user will have a much more difficult time making calls, sending texts, or stealing your personal information.

6. Only install applications from trusted sources, and read the privacy policy to be sure you understand what data you're sharing. Applications from unknown sources can contain spyware or malware, and even trusted applications may gather information you're not comfortable sharing.

7. Keep your device software up to date. Keeping your mobile device's software and the applications on it up to date helps keep your device secure against compromise.

8. Install and use virus and malware protection software on your mobile device, and make sure you keep it up to date. This software will help to warn you if your device has been compromised.

9. Don't click on links in emails or text messages unless you trust the sender and were expecting to receive a link from them. As with larger computers, malware, spyware and phishing attacks against mobile devices are often initiated by clicking on links.

10. Be aware of the signs of potential compromise of your mobile device including decreased device performance, random functions, or calls, texts or emails to numbers and email addresses you don't recognize.

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