October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Stay secure by observing the following best practices while using a mobile device.  

Wi-Fi

• Do not allow your device to automatically join unfamiliar networks.
• Always turn off Wi-Fi when you are not using it or do not need it.
• Never send sensitive information over Wi-Fi unless you know it is secure.

Apps

• Only use apps available in your device’s official store.
• Never download apps from a browser, and be wary of apps from unknown developers.
• Keep apps updated to ensure the latest security
• Delete apps that are no longer supported.
• Do not automatically give privileges to apps to access to your location, contacts, or photos.

Bluetooth

• Disable Bluetooth pairing, and always turn off Bluetooth when not in use.
• Bluesnarfing is the theft of information from a wireless device through a Bluetooth connection.

Text Messaging

• Smishing is phishing via SMS, or text message. Do not trust messages that attempt to get you to reveal personal information.
• Treat text messages the same way you treat email. Think before you click.

Mobile Web Browsing

• Web addresses are harder to validate on the smaller screens of devices. Verify websites before attempting to login.
• Do not save your login information to the web browser.

Contact Mike Wilson at mikewilson1@cwi.edu [2] or 208.562.3193 with questions or for more cybersecurity tips, questions, and information.