How to secure your mobile phone

Let's think for a moment - what would life be like without a smart phone? If you answered unimaginable, you're definitely not alone. Smart phones have become so much more than just a portable telephone, taking on a role of their own in our day-to-day lives.

Can you think of a time when you're phone isn't tucked away in your pocket, or buzzing away in your bag? Instead, these devices are probably more precious than your wallet or computer - and probably hold more sensitive information, too.

But in an age where socialising and entertainment is done online, your mobile phone can be exploited. A nimble-fingered thief - whether they're behind a keyboard or in the flesh - can make off with your personal details, leaving your identity at risk. By following these guidelines, you can keep a lid on illegal use of your sensitive information. 

Make yourself undiscoverable 

According to new figures from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), 21 per cent of Australians don't even have a home internet connection1​! Public WiFi and Bluetooth makes it convenient to stay in the loop and communicate wirelessly, but these can leave your phone exposed. Hackers can gain access to unencrypted networks, taking with them your browsing activity and any information that isn't protected on your phone.

You might have something else on your mind: Isn't Bluetooth supposed to be secure? It's been designed to ward off eavesdroppers, but there are some vulnerabilities. Criminals can find their way around and through gaps in security programming, leaving your files and conversations open to attack. It's not always easy to keep this activity under wraps, but for peace of mind, it's best to switch your phone's bluetooth capabilities off when you're not using it - and try to find somewhere private, as well. 

Use security features

Here's a scary fact: One mobile phone handset is stolen every three minutes, according to Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association2. That's around 4,000 a week! You might not be aware of them, but your phone comes equipped and ready with security features that can make it much more difficult for hackers to gain access to your information.

In any case, make sure you've got passcode protection up and running - and change it regularly, too. An unscrupulous criminal can sneak a peek over your shoulder at any point, leaving your phone vulnerable if it's stolen. 

For instance, your SIM has more defences than you might realise. One measure is PIN protection, which requires you to enter a four-digit code each time the mobile is turned on and stops thieves from making fraudulent calls from your mobile. You can also lock your phone to the SIM card. Basically, this means that a PIN is needed whenever a new SIM is inserted and, if it happens to go missing, any information stored on the card will be out of reach.

But it doesn't stop there. Did you know that details stored on your SIM could also be stored in your phone's memory? If you decide to sell your device, ensure that you've wiped the storage clean - you don't want the new owner to have access to any bits and pieces that have been left behind, such as bank account numbers, passwords and usernames. 

Worried that your personal details could fall into the wrong hands? The team of security experts at Identity Watch can settle your nerves, watching internet forums where information is illegally traded for any sign of your data and letting you know when you need to take action. 

1 Research snapshots: Australian gets mobile. Australian Communications and Media Authority. June 2015. 

2 FAQs on Mobile Security. Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association.