In today’s world, the use of smart devices is widespread across all economic levels of society.  So too, the theft of smartphones and other small portable devices is on the rise.  Whether we are talking, texting, or using application data, the fact is that our smartphones and devices hold a lot of personal information. So, what actions can a user take now to limit their liability and exposure to fraud or identity theft in the event their device is lost or stolen?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Lock and password protect your phone.  For some devices, biometrics, such as a fingerprint scanner is available.
• Turn on location services. This will help the authorities recover the device if possible.
• Consider installing anti-theft software on your phone but NEVER go it alone when tracking your missing device. Such an activity can be extremely dangerous!  Here’s a heartbreaking example: http://www.cnet.com/news/teen-shot-dead-after-using-app-to-track-lost-phone/
• Regularly back up your data and keep application passwords secure. In the event your device is stolen, you will want to change all passwords and revoke access for any website or application accessed through your phone.
• Make a note of your phone’s IMEI, MEID, or ESN number, and keep that information in a safe place (like you would do with credit card accounts and other sensitive information).
• Insurance may be another option to consider in case your device is lost or stolen. For many of us, our smartphones help us run our businesses. Having insurance through your wireless provider adds another level of security and peace of mind.
• Consider installing an application that provides a “remote wipe” capability to minimize the chance of your information falling in the wrong hands.
• Once you have determined that your phone has fallen into the wrong hands, notify your service provider immediately!

Taking a proactive approach to protect yourself and your company against data loss should always extend to endpoint devices such as smartphones and tablets.  If you would like to know more about how RenovoData helps clients protect their data, we are just an email or phone call away!

Additional Resources:

https://www.fcc.gov/stolen-phones-contact-numbers  (phone numbers for cellular providers)
https://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lostwirelessdevices.pdf  (the FCC’s Stolen and Lost Wireless Devices Guide)

This post is part of a series of articles about how small business owners can prevent scams and fraud in the workplace. Today, we look at online fraud, specifically, ‘Phishing’. Phishing can be defined as “the activity of defrauding an online account holder of financial information by posing as a legitimate company.”

Have you ever received an email from a bank prompting you to login to your account but you don’t actually have an account with that “institution”? This is an example of phishing and luckily it is pretty easy to spot in that case. However, what if it wasn’t so easy to spot? Suppose for a moment you actually had an account with XYZ bank and when the email comes in, it looks legitimate. You follow the link and you attempt to login but something doesn’t go right and now the security of your account has been compromised.

Now what if the person receiving the email was one of your customers and the scammer has spoofed the email so that it looks like it came from you? Such a situation could damage the relationship your company has with your clients and adversely affect your business reputation. Thankfully, there are steps to take to lessen the likelihood that you or your clients would be targeted by scammers and hackers:

• Consistent communication is key. Make sure your clients know when and why you are sending them emails.
• Never request personal information or account details through email, Facebook message, Twitter direct message, Linkedin mail, etc. Let your customers know that if they do receive such a message to reach out to you directly and as soon as possible
• Instruct your employees that they should not respond to incoming messages requesting sensitive information. If someone claims to be from the EPA, for example, verify his or her identity by contacting the organization they claim to represent.
• Make sure all employees know not to click on links sent in email from unknown or untrustworthy sources.

Reviewing this information with your employees on an annual basis, perhaps as part of your Disaster Recovery plan, is a proactive step you can take to help keep your business secure and your reputation intact. If you would like more information about disaster recovery planning and data security, give RenovoData a call today!