In the US, there are more than 201 million cell phone service subscribers; this is just under 70% of the total population. This number isn't surprising; just last night as I filled up my car, three of the four of us at the pumps were chatting away on our phones—despite the "No Cell Phones" signs on each of the gas pumps. As the number of cell phone users increases and cell phone technology advances, the concern with security issues and cell phone viruses grows.Think of your mobile as a mini-computer. The precautions we take with our mobile handhelds should be similar to those we take with our computers. Consider the following to avoid cell phone viruses and security troubles:
Lock Your Phone
Cell phones are small and easily lost or stolen. You can lock most phones with a password. This is a good habit to get into and though it may not save your phone, it will protect your personal information including contacts, schedules, email addresses and more.
Avoid Illegal Downloads
When you're looking for downloads to customize your cell phone, like ringtones, games and wallpapers, steer clear of the peer-to-peer sharing websites. These sites are easily recognizable because they advertise unlimited free downloads. There are two big problems with this: they infringe on copyright laws and you don't know exactly what you're getting until it is on your phone. Cybercrooks often use peer-to-peer networks to disguise Trojan horses as credible programs.
For a list of reliable sources for downloads, see the Ringtone Download Services Review .
Keep your Computer Virus Free
Most phones require you to plug into your computer to download files like music, ringtones, screen savers and animations. Your first defense against viruses is to keep your computer's anti-virus software up to date; therefore, your computer will catch any unscrupulous software before you transfer it to your phone. Additionally, if you use WiFi on your phone and happen to contract a virus, the next time you sync up with your computer the anti-virus software will catch the infected files before transferring them. For a list of top rated anti-virus programs, click here.
Read Privacy Policies
Whenever you download material from a ringtone download service, read their privacy policy first. Make sure they are a trustworthy service and don't abuse your personal information. For more information on privacy policies read ”Evaluating Online Privacy Policies.”
Turn Bluetooth Off
You should always keep your Bluetooth setting to "non-discoverable" or "transmission disabled" when you're not using it. There was a recent story published about a virus that was spread by an infected display phone at a retailer. The virus would search for nearby vulnerable, Bluetooth-enabled phones. When it would find a receptive target, the virus would copy and transmit itself to the passing phone.
Viruses or Trojan horses might instruct your phone to repeatedly call a number, send your voicemails to a different location or it might destroy your phone's operating system. Viruses that have infected our computers for over a decade have evolved to become a threat to our mobile phones.
Don't Open Unsolicited Files
If you get a text message or other file from an unknown source, don't open it. Contact your wireless provider and explain the situation.
Don't Keep Personal Information on Your Phone
Some cell phone providers save your pictures, voice mails and other files on a main server. There have been instances where the servers have been hacked into and files stolen. Never keep credit card and other important information on your provider's servers.
Always use a PIN to Access Your Voice Mail
A PIN (Personal Identification Number) will provide a certain degree of protection for your voicemail account. You should always use a PIN and change it occasionally or if you feel someone may have it.
Technology can make our lives easier and more entertaining; however, with technology comes new frauds and threats. By taking a few simple precautions, you will save your phone and your personal information.
InformIT, (2005). Top ten cell phone security problems. Retrieved Jan. 10, 2006, from informit.com Web site: http://www.informit.com/guides/content.asp?g=security&seqNum=92&rl=1.
Microsoft Corporation, (2005). Avoid wireless attacks through your bluetooth cell phone. Retrieved Jan. 10, 2006, from Microsoft Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/online/bluetooth_mobile.mspx.
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