Ellen PhillipsIn the past few months, I’ve lost one phone and my husband’s was stolen. Since we both maintain confidential information on our phones, what precautions can we take to protect ourselves?
– Sarah Smartphone
Dear Mrs. Smartphone: In watching a recent episode of the new drama, Chicago PD, I learned a new term: “apple picking.” Thieves watch for unsuspecting folks who lazily hold onto their phone or set it down, only to have the thugs casually walk by, snatch the sucker, and run for the hills. While a market for stolen smartphones certainly exists, the primary goal for many cybercrooks is to obtain the owners’ private data for identity theft purposes. And since 2014 is shaping up to be a record-breaker for these thefts, we should be aware of the methods by which we can protect our phone and subsequent confidentiality. Thanks to AARP for its suggestions.
1. Enable encryption if your phone offers this service. Learn if and how by going to Help.unc.edu/help/encrypt.
2. Be sure to use security software that’s recommended by the carrier or manufacturer.