Time to get smarter on mobile phone security

Garda Crime Watch with Sergeant Michael Walsh

As mobile phones become smarter, they’re more like mini computers that contain lots of personal information about us.  And with the reopening of the economy and in particular with more people out socialising over the summer months the opportunity for phone theft and related crime will increase. The following are a few easy steps you can take to manage your phone and data security.

The easiest thing for you to do is to put a passcode on your phone. Having a passcode will make it harder for someone to pick up your phone and scroll through, access your accounts, or install something malicious.

In the event that your phone gets stolen or you lose it, it’ll make it a bit harder for others to get into your phone. Most phones just ask for a 4‐digit passcode, but some phones will allow you to use a more complex passcode or even a thumbprint.

Most phones have a GPS and other location indicators that can pinpoint your general or exact location. With this capability, many applications may collect and share your location information. You can however pick and choose which applications may access your location and remove access to the ones that don’t need it.

If you decide to leave you location settings switched on, perhaps you could consider downloading a ‘find my phone’ app which may be helpful it your phone gets lost or stolen. The attached QR code provides a link to a related video.

Bluetooth allows your phone to communicate with other devices, such as the hands‐free option in your car or your printer.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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