man working on smart phoneIT Services provides helpful tips on keeping your mobile device secure.

Tips intended to protect your smart devices

Over 88 per cent of Canadians access the internet with a mobile device, according to Statista, a leading market and consumer data provider. With the ever-increasing dependence on portable devices to do tasks such as online banking or accessing work files, valuable information is being put at risk of cybersecurity threats.

“Smart cybersecurity practices are just as important for your phone and tablet as they are for your computer,” says Kevin Macnaughton, team leader security in Information Technology Services. “While it may only be for personal or recreational use, it should still be protected.”

IT Services’ list of top five ways to protect your mobile devices includes:

  1. Enable the security Personal Identification Number (PIN) to unlock your phone and keep it private.
  2. Set the device to auto-lock when inactive.
  3. Allow automatic updates for the operating system and apps.
  4. Only use the App Store and iTunes or Google Play for apps, games, and media.
  5. Use the University’s GlobalProtect VPN when accessing public or free Wi-Fi.

For more mobile device security best practices, see the webpage.

To highlight the global cybersecurity efforts, have a look at the European Cybersecurity Month campaign.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.