Mobile phone safety tips

Mobile phones, especially smart phones are mobile computers. They allow you to access the internet and email, download applications and games and store personal contacts, photos and information. You need to protect and secure your phone just as you would your home or mobile computer.

  1. Handset. Always know where your handset is, and never leave it unattended, particularly in cars and public places.
  2. PINs. Put a password on your phone and a PIN on your SIM card. Do not rely on the default factory settings. Using a password and PIN can stop thieves getting access to your phone or using the SIM in another phone to make calls.
  3. Consider installing security software from a reputable provider. Anti-virus, anti-theft, anti-malware and firewall software is available for some mobile phone operating systems.
  4. Stay with reputable websites and mobile applications (apps). Always keep an eye on your commonly used websites’ addresses and make sure you are not redirected or diverted to other websites. When using any financial mobile applications, such as mobile banking, make sure to only use applications supplied by your financial institution.
  5. IMEI. Locate and record your phone’s IMEI number. Notify your service provider if your phone is lost or stolen and have the IMEI blocked to render the phone useless. If you are considering buying a second hand phone, you can check if the phone as been reported lost or stolen by entering the phone IMEI at http://www.lost.amta.org.au/
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