MGC Security Tips – Stay Safe While Working on Mobile Devices

Cybercriminals know that mobile devices contain all sorts of information about you, and they will try to trick you to gain access to that information. That’s why it’s important to practice good security habits when using your personal and work mobile devices.

Follow the tips below to protect your mobile devices from the cybercriminals:

Protect sensitive information on your mobile device.

• Clean out your inbox. Delete text messages and emails that contain sensitive information. If cybercriminals steal your mobile device, they won’t have access to this information.
• Don’t use note-taking applications or photography applications to store sensitive information. If you need to take pictures of important documents such as your social security card, delete the image immediately after use.
• Set up passwords on your devices. If you have the option, you can also use facial recognition or fingerprint recognition technology for an extra layer of security.

Reviewing phishing emails on mobile.

• Check the Sender: Look at the sender’s email address carefully. Often, phishing emails will come from addresses that look suspicious or slightly altered from legitimate ones. If you don’t recognize the sender or if the email address seems unusual, it’s likely a phishing attempt.
• Examine the Subject Line: Phishing emails often use urgent or alarming subject lines to prompt immediate action. Be wary of emails with subjects like “Urgent Action Required” or “Your Account has been Compromised”. Legitimate organizations typically don’t use such tactics.
• Inspect the Content: Read the content of the email closely. Phishing emails may contain spelling or grammatical errors, unusual phrasing, or requests for personal information. Be especially cautious if the email asks you to provide sensitive information or to click on a link.
• Avoid Clicking Links: Refrain from clicking on any links or downloading attachments within the email via mobile. Even if the email appears legitimate, it’s safer to navigate to the website directly by typing the URL into your browser or using a trusted bookmark.  PC browser provides features that allow you review links by hovering, this feature is not available yet on mobile hence ensure to avoid links from unsolicited emails
• Check for Personalization: Legitimate emails from organizations you have accounts with often include personalized information, such as your name or account details. If the email starts with a generic greeting like “Dear Customer” or lacks personalization, it may be a phishing attempt.
• Verify with the Source: If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of an email, contact the organization directly using a verified phone number or email address. They can confirm whether the email is genuine or part of a phishing scam.

Make sure your applications are safe and up-to-date.

• Only use trusted applications. cybercriminals can use untrusted applications to upload malware onto your device. Only download applications from verified application stores such as the Apple App Store and beware of applications that require excessive permissions.
• Don’t “jailbreak” your device or download software that changes the intended use of the device. This software can damage your device and prevents automatic updates.
• Keep your applications and operating system (OS) up-to-date. Updates fix bugs and other security issues, so it’s important to install them when you’re prompted.