Cell Phones and Identity Theft -- Are You Protected?
Cell Phones Could Put You At Risk for Identity Theft
Identity theft knows no boundaries. Thieves are constantly on the lookout for weaknesses and security gaps to attack. With smartphone sales at an all-time high, thieves are on the prowl to take advantage of your weaknesses. Are you ready?
Risky Business
Everyone loves smartphones. These fun little gadgets are convenient, fun, cool, and can simplify your life with all their helpful apps. Thieves love them too. Smartphones are loaded with information -- your information.
All an identity thief needs is to get your smartphone, steal your personal information and they're in business -- the business of stealing your identity, stealing your passwords, your credit card number, your social security number, your PIN numbers, your bank account number, your home address, phone numbers and information about your friends, family and business partners.
Up until now, no one has been too worried about identity theft through cell phones. Now that smartphones are gaining in popularity, there is an increasing need for added security. Gartner, a research firm, reports that sales of smartphones increased by 48.7% in 2009 with sales of 54.3 in the first quarter.
So how do you protect yourself? Malware and viruses aren't a threat to cell phones. The main concern is old-fashioned loss and theft.
Protect Your Cell Phone
To protect yourself, you should follow basic safety precautions to prevent losing your phone or leaving it unprotected where thieves can steal it.
You can protect your personal information and avoid identity theft by setting a PIN number for your phone. Most phones have this capability but most users never use them considering it an inconvenience. To stay safe, set your PIN number. If you lose your phone or it some steals it, they can't open your phone and get to your information.
Symantec has an application for Google's Android operating system that lets owners remotely lock down their phone or erase all information. You can do this by texting a code to the phone. If you have an Android, get this program from Symantec. Watch for Symantec and other computer protection software companies to develop a system of protection for other phones.
Be careful about adding Apps. Third-party applications are one way that cybercriminals can attack smartphones. Be safe and use Apps from trusted publishers.
Keep your phone updated. When your carrier develops new updates or upgrades for your phone, install them. Many times these updates are for your protection.
Identity theft protection is easy with smartphones. Don't be careless with your phone. Doing so can result in it being stolen or lost. Get software protection when available, set your PIN number and be careful about adding Apps. Taking these precautions will keep you safe from identity theft.