I teach the California State Life Insurance Agent Pre-Licensing class. The state tracks people by their Social Security Numbers. I'm always surprised by the number of people (usually younger) who store their SS# on their cell phone. When I have them fill out the registration forms, they flip open their phones to get their sensitive info.
Am I missing something here?
When I saw this article, thought I'd pass it along. Seems like cell phones, security, and identity theft prevention will be more and more something for us to be mindfull of...
Re-print from LegalShield
The number of Americans using smartphones is rising dramatically. As smartphone speed and technology improve, individuals are using their phone to access personal information. Many users now access and manage business and personal email as well as banking and other financial data from their phone. This can make a hacked or stolen phone a one-stop shop for would-be thieves and scammers. These tips will help protect personal information on your phone.
- Set a screen lock and password for your phone. Leaving your phone without a password is asking for trouble.
- Enable the remote location feature on your phone. This may help you track a lost or stolen phone. Not all phones have this feature built in, but there are apps available for purchase. Some will allow you to remove personal information from your phone after it has been stolen.
- Only allow your phone to join trusted networks. Scammers sometimes set up fake wireless networks in public places to lure users into joining the network. This may allow the scammer to track any data to and from your phone.
- Update your phone's software. Software updates frequently include security patches. Failing to update your phones software may leave you vulnerable to hackers.
- Do not “jail-break” your phone. The practice of “jail-breaking” a phone involves opening up the operating system to applications that were not designed to work on it. This will make your phone vulnerable to hackers.
- Only download well-reviewed and tested applications. Some apps may include malicious software designed to capture your personal information.
end of article.
Other related blogs:
Numbers to store in your cell phone for emergencies.
Senior Phone Scams, "Grandma, I'm in Jail!"
* The content of this blog is for informative purposes only. It does not reflect official standing of any agent, agency, or company mentioned on the blog. Nor is this blog necessarilly an endorsement. Please consult with your insurance, tax, or legal specialist before making any decisions. This blog is purely meant to spark the thought process.
