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Issue No. 25August 2014

Mobile Phone Safety

Get smart about mobile phone safety

The smartphone is a powerful but vulnerable tool. A stolen phone can result in the loss of extremely sensitive data such as your bank or other online accounts, and even lead to the theft of your identity. Malicious apps can function like a computer virus, stealing personal data and even costing you money by reprogramming your phone to automatically dial premium phone numbers.

Make these six simple practices a habit to help reduce your risk.

  1. Lock your device with a PIN or Password
  • For your PIN, avoid numbers from your birth date, social security or national identification number, phone number, or the like.
  • Keep your PIN or password private. Period.
  • Enable the feature that erases the phone if someone tries to guess the PIN too many times.

 

  1. Use a Phone Finder

Most mobile service providers have an app that helps you find your phone if it’s lost or stolen. This allows you to ring your phone, locate it on a map, lock it, or erase its data, all remotely from your browser (like Internet Explorer or Firefox). Note that this regularly reports the phone’s location-and yours.

  1. Defend you phone against malware

Smart phones are susceptible to a kind of malicious software (malware) known as a Trojan horse. It hides in a seemingly harmless app like a ringtone or game, but contains hidden code designed to exploit or damage the system; running the app unleashes the malware on your phone.

  • Install reputable apps  – Download apps only from major app stores.
  • Keep your phone up to date – Just as you do on your computer, accept and install all updates offered for both the phone itself and the apps on it
  • Don’t jailbreak your phone – Most phones will run only software that their operating system trusts. Jailbreaking (or unlocking) a phone allows it to run untrusted software, which is much more likely to carry a harmful virus.
  • Accept incoming content cautiously – Avoid clicking links in ads and contests that promise free prizes or gifts.

 

  1. Protect Your Privacy
  • Do not bank, shop, or do other email that exposes your user name or password over “borrowed” or public Wi-Fi (like a hotspot). It’s safer to use the mobile phone’s network, which encrypts data as it is transmitted.
  • Be wary of features that offer to save user names or passwords in your browser and financial service or other apps that store sensitive data.

 

  1. Use GPS features wisely 

Many services – weather, movies, and maps, for example personalize results by using location data from your phone’s Global Positioning System (GPS) or nearby Wi-Fi access points and cell towers. Be aware that this positional data may be shared with the app developer and provide them information about your location.

  1. Backup your phone 

Like with any computing device you should have a plan of action to  Back up to data stored on your phone to your computer, a cloud storage service, or both.

Source: Microsoft 

If you have questions regarding smart phone safety, please contact our Support Desk.

Testimonials

Testimonials

“We’re building a solid IT foundation to be able to go where we need to be for growth and success. I couldn’t be more pleased with KTS’s performance and progress on our IT Projects.”

Shawn Ellis, CFO Custom Logos

Testimonials

“Both company email migrations have were completed without a problem. Thanks to your team both transitions went smooth.Everyone with your group are both knowledgeable and professional, and you should be proud of the organization you are building.”

John Sonnen, IT & Security Director Child Safety Network

Testimonials

“We have been using KTS for our IT support for about a year now, and we are very pleased with the service we have received. Chris has been our first line person, and has been able to resolve issues quickly, and often remotely, which helps reduce costs. Our staff has really appreciated his fast response and resolution to the issues that have come up. We have also appreciated that there are other folks at KTS who can fill in if Chris is out. Thanks to all!”

Suzy Halleland, Executive Administrator Village Church

Testimonials

“I think you know we have been very happy with your service and are very grateful to have been referred to you guys. But on a more personal note, I want you to know that Kevin in your office has provided a service for us that is way over the top.”

Jeff Golumbuk, CEO Custom Logos

Testimonials

“I just wanted to thank you and your staff for the excellent service and work provided by KTS.  It has been night and day compared to our old third party IT consultant.”
Nick Walters, VP Project Management West Coast General Corp.

Testimonials

“I wanted to let you know that I am absolutely delighted with the service we have received from you and your team so far. I know we put you in a tough position with such short notice of having to jump in and take over, and we really appreciated that. But there are many other reasons as well. First, I’m so glad they discovered the hard drive problem right away, as that could have caused us a huge issue as you well know. Second, everyone that I’ve had the pleasure to work wi… Read more
Jo Barsa, CPA Barsa & Company

Testimonials

“Kazmarek is fantastic!  I’ve used every size of IT company over the past 20 years and Kazmarek is by far superior to all I’ve used.  We are extremely happy with their service and expertise.  One of the things I like most about them is that they have engineers available to respond to our prioritized needs but they also wanted to give us the best customer service possible so they went above and beyond and put in place an escalation plan so that if I feel the response time i… Read more
Marisa Janine-Page, Partner Caldarelli Hejmanowski Page & Leer LLP

Testimonials

“I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Kazmarek team through the years! They are responsive and have a great team to work with, whether it’s day-to-day IT needs or special projects. ”
KC Martin, HR Director Full Swing Golf

Testimonials

“As a local San Diego business, we were looking to partner with another local business after our IT needs just weren’t being met with a nationwide provider. We could not be happier with our decision since KTS has been very swift, attentive, and collaborative with our IT needs over the past three years. Their engineers, support desk, and managers are patient and able to effectively communicate issues and solutions to a layperson which speaks volumes about their hiring and customer… Read more
Carrie Lamb, Project Manager Chuao Chocolatier

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