Because of smart application development, most mobiles don’t face the plethora of threats that PC users do. But online criminals aim to change that. They’re working on malware for Macs, bad apps for Android and, of course, they can still hit you with a phishing scam on just about any web-connected device.
Here are a few precautions that will help protect you on all the laptops, desktop or mobile devices you use.
1. Keep your system and security software updated
This is a tip we always recommend for PCs. But it’s especially important on mobile devices and Macs too. Several important security updates have been included in recent updates of OS X. Our Mobile Security is available for Android, Symbian and Windows Phones. Research to find the best security for your device and keep it up to date.
2. Back up your device
A piece of content that exists only on one local hard drive is a piece of content at risk. Use some method of backup for your computers. If your phone has a backup capability enable it. If it’s available for your mobile, we recommend you use some remote lock software. Our Anti-Theft for Mobile is free. This way even if your device is out of your control, you can still protect your private data.
3. Get your software from a reliable source
For mobile phones, use official markets or vendors you know and trust. Never install software that suddenly appears on your computer or a mobile. You can give a criminal full access to your computer with the wrong click so take downloading and installing seriously. So don’t be afraid to take to cancel and research a product before installing it
4. Watch where you click, especially in emails
Most of us know never to open attachments we don’t expect in an email. But the links in an email can lead to a malicious site or a scam. Phishing scams have new power on mobile phones where we expect web pages to look strange and unfamiliar. Avoid clicking the links in emails you receive, especially from your bank. Go directly to the site you need to use or even call your bank directly if you have a question.
5. Keep your devices and accounts secure
Lock your computers and devices when you aren’t using them. And use a strong, unique password for all of the accounts that matter to you most.
The good habits you’ve picked up from being a smart PC user will benefit you however you connect to the web.
F-Secure’s new Safe Anywhere gives the world’s leading operators and ISPs the ability to protect PCs, Macs and mobile devices with one award-winning solution. Find out more about Safe Anywhere here.
Jason
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6 Comments
Thanks for the info!!!
Jason thanks for giving more information. Good to know about the how to protect mobile device.
I have been a absolute believer in your product for my PC. I am seriously considering it for my MAC. I am also a heavy iPad user. Due to the nature of the iPad IOS architecture, would it be safe to say that following the basics for passwords, phishing cautions and avoiding transactions on open networks is a pretty good security policy. Will traditional malware be able to realistically attack the IOS or just possibly apps on an individual basis?
Thanks
Hi Jim,
Of course, we think that our Mac solution is necessary for optimal security or we wouldn’t offer it. The Labs expects that Mac-based threats targeting OSX are coming but mostly in unpredictable bursts. But the practices you suggest along with updating your system software and apps whenever possible will protect you from most existing threats.
Jason
I use a desktop, a laptop both protected by f-secure and a blackberry mobile phone.
Do you currently have anything that works on my blackberry?
Thanks
Sorry, not yet. It’s honor to protect your desktop and laptop.
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[...] We’ve discussed the proper way to secure all your devices. So now we have a question for you: For mobile connections, do you use a tablet a mobile phone or both? [...]