Sure you have a cool phone……. but have you considered the security aspects?
“It’s an unfortunate fact that the impact of cybercrime is a reality for all businesses.
The scary reality is that 978 million people in 20 countries were affected by cybercrime in 2017. In New Zealand and Australia, one in four small businesses experienced a cyber-attack or hacking attempt.
You wouldn’t dream of breaking your shiny new phone, but are you mindful of how you’ll keep its contents safe too?
Are You Too Relaxed With Your Data Security?
While many of us are looking for convenience of easy-to-find or easy-to-remember passwords, in reality you’re making yourself vulnerable to digital identity theft.
One of the biggest mistake people make is keep highly confidential information in their phone, such as in ‘Notes’ or disguised as a contact. You’re walking around with a pocket of very sensitive data.”
It is recommended that you do not –
- Add passwords and pin codes to the ‘Notes’ app
- Try to disguise passwords, bank account numbers or your tax file number as phone contacts
- Choose obvious passwords (such as your date of birth or cat’s name). Even your kids can work out!
- Replicate the same codes everywhere (such as your bank account pin)
- Allow your computer or phone to automatically save passwords
- Hand over old mobile phones to your kids without clearing all sensitive data first
Think about the worst case scenario: your phone gets stolen. For many of us, this doesn’t just mean losing a device. It also means losing passwords. And your digital identity.
How Can I Improve My Mobile Phone Security?
Now is the time to brush up on your security awareness.
We recommend utilising apps such as LastPass and Google Authenticator for encryption and a second layer of security for important business and personal websites. However, you can’t just download them and consider yourself completely covered.
“You might like to check out Stay Smart Online for some good tips and policies around passwords. Don’t just use your date of birth, postcode, or banking pin numbers. Pick random numbers; the authorisation apps will remember them for you.”
It’s also key to remember that if you have an existing authenticator app setup on your old phone, you need to set it up on your new device before disposing of your old one.
So if you’re getting your hands on a shiny new iPhone X, take some time to set up the security as a priority. Because, admit it, downloading Facebook was otherwise probably first on your list!
Find Out More
Find out more about Beck Partners , Who We Are and What We Do at our website and feel free to contact info@beckpartners.com.au if we can be of any assistance.