Security tips for your mobile devices

Technology makes it so easy these days, doesn't it? It doesn't matter if you're popping to the shops or on the train home, you can access a huge amount of information and do a whole range of things from just about anywhere. We're a country of smartphone addicts - according to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)1, 12.07 million people used a smartphone as of May 2014. In fact, a survey from Roy Morgan Research found that there are actually 1.14 million of us who have two phones!2

Think about it this way: You're basically carrying around a little computer in your pocket or bag at all times - and just like your laptop, your smartphone or other portable device has a whole lot of sensitive personal information that you don't want falling into the wrong hands. So how can you stay connected on the move without having your details stolen? 

Stay away from dirty apps 

It's amazing how many apps there are - and we're lapping them up. You can do almost anything. From planning your weekly meals, banking, to budgets, games - the list goes on and on. ACMA found that the volume of data downloaded on smartphones increased by 97 per cent in the year to June 2014, and it's our insatiable appetite for these online tools that's driving it. But how much do you know about the apps on your phone? 

Some apps can look legitimate, but are actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. The next time you go to download an app, think twice. You could actually be downloading nasty malware onto your phone without realising! These programmes can leak your personal details - and lead to serious fraud. Stick to popular apps and only download from a trusted app store.

Like any software download, check to see how much of your information the app will access. This includes sharing your information with a third-party, or tapping into your contact list. If it seems even a little bit suspicious, back away slowly.

Lock and load

They're small, they're convenient - and they're easily stolen. It's the trifecta for criminals, and not necessarily just the cyber kind. Any crook who makes off with your gadget could get hold of a bunch of important personal information, so make sure you've got a solid line of defence in case of theft. Every phone comes with its own unique identification number. Finding this out is easy - dial star, hash, zero, six, hash (*#06#). Tuck it away in a safe place - if your device is stolen, your service provider can block your phone from being used and put the brakes on fraud. 

Arm yourself with a hard-to-crack pin and back up your data. Even if your device is stolen, you'll still have all your information in one place. You can even do this wirelessly these days, so there's no need to tie yourself down. How about a coffee to go with your backup?

Otherwise, forego the coffee and get Identity Watch on your side. For the cost of a cup of coffee, our team of experts can monitor the web for your details and let you know if they're being used for anything suspicious.

1 ACMA-commissioned survey May 2014 and Communications report 2012–13.

2 November 2014, Roy Morgan Research surveyed over 1500 Australians (aged 14+)