Protect Yourself From Mobile Attacks

Remember when you first showed off that new smartphone you bought, bet you didn’t think you’d be attacked by it either.  At least not in the literal sense.  I started reading up on how someone could gain access to your phone to steal what data you have on it, and the surprising fact is that it’s damn hard.  TV and Hollywood like to portray the sophisticated hacker or criminal as having some mystic power that allows them to take over any device, doesn’t happen anymore unless you’re stuck in the early 90’s.  Back when Bluetooth and later Wi-Fi came out it was very easy for someone to piggyback onto your phone, listen to who you called, read your personal contacts, and transfer data.  Manufacturers have worked very hard to close those old security holes, but they can still gain access via these gateways through homebrew devices they make as well as software.  Also, did you know that the number one platform that is currently targeted for attacks is Android, because most of us download more free apps than Apple, Windows, and Blackberry users combined.  So how do I protect myself from an attack?

1. Don’t use public Wi-Fi if you don’t have to.  These are the first places criminals will hang out at and wait for someone to use.  Most businesses think that their Wi-Fi is secure but it really is like any other network that someone with the right equipment can use to see what devices are logged on.   Stick to using the phone’s cell network as that hasn’t been broken into yet, unless you happen to work for the NSA
   
2. Remember to turn off your Bluetooth.  This is another wireless connection that can be accessed if a hacker has the right tools and has found a security vulnerability that hasn’t been identified or fixed yet.
    
3. Don’t download apps that haven’t come from your platform’s store.  In the store, developers have to be verified and meet that platform’s standards and use policy.  Downloading through the internet a hacker can create a legitimate app that could have a hidden agenda that you wouldn’t become aware of until it’s too late.

Tip of the Week

Whether it’s a Window desktop computer, a MacBook Laptop, or a smartphone there comes a point in time you need to do a scorched earth to fix an issue.  Most of have never had to reset their mobile device, but when it becomes necessary then here is my guide on how to do it and keep your data.

1. Make sure to back up your data by either saving it to your computer via the link cable or to a removable memory card.  As for your contact info you export that to either that same removable memory card or a sim card if the phone has one.
2. Next is to remove that memory card so it doesn’t accidentally get deleted in the reset. 
3. For most phones if you go to Settings, Applications or Storage; then select factor reset to start the process.  Once it starts don’t mess with it will take anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on make and model.
4. Once the deed is done, the least fun part comes where you have to import everything back onto the phone which takes a few minutes.
5. If that doesn’t fix the issue then you may need to call tech support so they can try something from the backend of the phone, or call me.

Mobile Apps for the Busy Professional

For the busy professional on the go it’s important to stay connected, to not just your employees, clients, but your files as well.  I have found this to be true regardless of working from home, in an office, or on the go.  With all the apps out there how do you choose one that will keep you and yours connected? There’s an app available for both Android and Apple users that’s developed by Google; meet Quickoffice.  Google acquired it back in June 2012 and has now made it free to use.  It’s similar to working with Microsoft Office; in that you can create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, and there really is no learning curve to using it.  Just like with Office you can also save files in common Office file formats which allows you and others to view or edit it using Microsoft Office.  Or save your files to “the cloud” using Google Drive, which then allows collaboration with anyone and access from anywhere, from any device.