6 Tips to Protect Your Mobile Device from Cyber Threats

Does your team use a mobile device to email your timeshare owners and/or guests? How about to help them check in? This advice might save you a lot of pain!

As time has progressed, mobile devices have significantly changed the way we are able to interact in the world. They have numerous benefits in our lives and many people have become entirely dependent on them. They help us to stay organized, efficient, and more communicative, amongst other things. However, they also store and provide access to a great deal of private personal and business information.

Hospitality businesses regularly work with sensitive customer data that includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII). Company computers may be secured with enhanced security features to mitigate security breaches, but did you know that your mobile device is at risk for cybercrime as well? Cellphones, tablets, and other mobile devices are frequently targeted by cybercriminals.

Are you and your team risking exposure?

Many people do not actively protect their mobile devices which makes them a fairly easy target for wrongdoers. It is not uncommon for mobile devices to be targeted through the use of ransomware, malware, and phishing. Identity theft, use of financial information, exposure of business trade secrets, and hacked accounts are just some of the consequences of not adequately protecting mobile devices.
Luckily, there are many options available to help keep your information secure. These six tips can be utilized to help protect your mobile device from cyber threats:

1. Use passcode locks on your mobile devices – If your mobile device is ever lost or stolen, using the passcode lock can make it much harder for thieves to access your personal information. It’s likely one of the easiest steps you can take to protect your device. If a finder or thief can’t get into your mobile device, they can’t obtain your personal information and use it for their own gain.
2. Regularly update the software on your devices – Mobile device manufacturers continually come out with new software updates. It may be bothersome to update your device every so often, but it’s important. It’s possible to set up automatic installation of updates while you sleep. One of the main purposes of these updates is to protect mobile devices from new ways that cybercriminals have found to take advantage of the software used. Failing to update can leave your mobile device unnecessarily open to cyber threats.
3. Don’t use free Wi-Fi – Public Wi-Fi may be free to use, but it is not secure. Cybercriminals can effortlessly connect to these free Wi-Fi networks and scan them for easy access to the personal information of unsuspecting users. Additionally, you may unknowingly connect to a network set up by a hacker specifically to access user information.
4. Install antivirus software – Most software companies that create and support antivirus software for computers and home networks also have software available for mobile devices. For some reason, antivirus software isn’t used as frequently on mobile devices as it is on personal computers. However, there are many cost-effective and easy options for mobile devices. Sometimes, you can even find free or low-cost options through your existing antivirus subscriptions or internet service provider.
5. Don’t open attachments or click on links from unknown senders – Mobile phishing is often initiated by cybercriminals who send texts or e-mails with attachments or links for the receiver to click on. All it takes is one click for your information to be in danger. It’s always best to go directly to a website versus click on a link to verify the information. For example, you might receive an e-mail telling you that your credit card account has been compromised and you need to click on a link to reset your password. Don’t click on the link. Instead, go directly to the credit card website to check on your account and whether there are any actual issues.
6. Set-up your device to remotely delete information – Most mobile device manufacturers have an application or website that allows users to remotely delete information, like “Find My Device.” If you ever lose your mobile device, it’s important to utilize this feature to help prevent the spread of personal data. Personal information should be wiped from old mobile devices before donating them.

Mobile devices can be our lifeline to the outside world. They are more important than many people realize, resulting in many negative consequences that can occur from not properly protecting them. Using the six tips above can help mitigate access to your personal information and device. In today’s world, everyone has something of value to hackers and as a result, they have become increasingly better at getting what they want. Be sure to keep yourself safe, think before you click, and remember your mobile device can be a goldmine in the wrong hands.

ABOUT WITHUM

Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, committed to helping clients in the hospitality industry be more profitable, efficient, and productive in the modern business landscape. For further information about Withum and its cybersecurity, digital advisory, and hospitality services teams, contact Lena Combs (LCombs@Withum.com) at (407) 849-1569 or visit www.withum.com.