Stay safe online

Mobile security

Whether you use your mobile phone to search for something on the web, or download the latest app, here are some tips and advice to protect yourself, your information and your phone.

  1. Always use a passcode, password or security pattern to lock your phone.

  2. Never store personal details on your mobile, in messages or emails. This includes things like your bank card pin number, any account passwords or security codes under obvious names in your contact list. You can use a code name if necessary.

  3. Only enable application installs from unknown sources if you plan to review your apps very carefully (e.g. for Android apps, be wary of those from outside Google Play). It’s always helpful to check permissions before downloading an app.

  4. Check the source of all your files and apps to make sure they’re safe before you download. For example, if you see a URL like www.goog.le.com and not www.google.com it’s probably safer to leave the site.

  5. If you give your phone away when you get a new one, make sure you do a factory reset to clear all of your personal data.

  6. If your phone goes missing, report it right away and work with your provider or police to either locate or deactivate it remotely. Change the password for your online accounts that can be accessed through your phone.

  7. Only allow automatic updates for apps you really trust.

It’s good to know some simple tips for staying secure on your mobile phone. Read the next topic: How to avoid ad scams

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