Security Tips while Using Smart Phones and Tablets

Mobile devices like smart phones and tablets bring much convenience to our everyday life. However, if they are not securely protected, they also become a convenient way to security threats. To reduce the risk of leaking personal data from a mobile device, you are strongly encouraged to check the following 10 tips for your device security!

DOs

1. Lock Your Mobile Device
   • Enable passcode, PIN, finger print or shape lock.
   • Automatic screen lock after a short period of inactivity.
2. Keep the Operating System (OS) & Apps updated
   • Apply the updates for the OS and apps whenever they are available to fix the bugs or security holes.
   • Review apps regularly and remove unused apps.
3. Use Well-known Wi-Fi network & Secure connection
   • DO NOT connect to untrusted Wi-Fi networks, only well-known or trusted one should be used.
   • DO NOT access personal or sensitive data with public Wi-Fi networks.
   • Use secure network, e.g. VPN, which supports encryption.
4. Install Security Apps
   • Install anti-virus software to protect your device from virus or malware.
5. Backup data in your device regularly
   • Avoid storing confidential or sensitive data on your mobile device.
   • Encrypt confidential or sensitive data by using the encryption feature available on your device.
   • Backup or synchronize data on your mobile device to another secured storage device regularly.
   • Securely erase / wipe all the data in your device before discarding or selling your device.
   • Report any lost or stolen university-owned devices that contain sensitive or restricted data of the University to the Director of IT Services at dir-itsc@cuhk.edu.hk.

DON’Ts

6. DO NOT jailbreak or root your device
   • Never jailbreak or root your device which might expose the device to more security flaws or risk and voids your device warranty
7. DO NOT install apps from untrustworthy sources
   • Only download apps from legitimate app stores.
   • Only choose the apps with good ratings and reviews.
   • Be caution of the access permission granted to the app.
8. DO NOT turn on unused Wi-Fi, bluetooth & location services
   • Turn off Wi-Fi, bluetooth and location services when they are not in use.
9. DO NOT visit suspicious links or Quick Response (QR) code
   • Beware of link clicking and attachment opening as they might contain viruses, especially those from unsolicited email or text messages.
   • Beware of the Quick Response (QR) code you scan as it might links to a malicious website.
   • Use SSL (https://) when browsing any website that may process sensitive data.
10. DO NOT leave your device unattended
    • Keep your device physically safe in your bag or hand.
    • Activate the remote locating feature.
    • Activate the remote wipe feature which can completely wipe out the device content remotely.