As our lives progressively become more entangled in the digital realm, our smart phones and tablets are becoming increasingly more indispensable. For some, theyre nothing short of a lifeline.
The Internet of Things has made our devices our connection to everything. With the push of a button, we can contact anyone from almost anywhere. In a few clicks, we can be searching the Internet. Download an app and you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere in the world. Scan your phone at a register and you can pay for groceries.
These devices are essential parts of our everyday lives. As their importance has grown so has the need for enhanced protection. If you think you can get by with the bare minimum the five points below may convince you otherwise.
Devices Are Expensive
If you got a smart phone for free through a special deal, then you may not realize how expensive the device actually is. An iPhone is going to cost at least $649 new. iPhone cases are a small expense compared to fixing a cracked screen or having to replace a phone altogether.
But damage isnt the only concern. The high price tag makes your mobile device a prime target for thieves. A Consumer Reports National Research Center study found that in 2014 alone over 2.1 million phones were stolen. People are so desperate to get these vital devices back a separate IDG Research study found 68% of victims are willing to put themselves in harm’s way to retrieve their phone.
Devices Are Used for Data Storage
Many of the people who said theyd be willing to put themselves in harm’s way to get their device back werent as concerned about the price of the phone as they were the data it contained. If you havent backed up your device this data is irretrievable once its gone. Pictures, videos, notes, messages, songs all those things that were created and collected over months or years is gone in a second.
Fortunately, the Internet of Things can help. Apps like DropBox and Google Photos allow you to instantly save data to the cloud so it doesnt just live on your device. Its like having a built-in backup system in case your device is lost, stolen or broken.
They Provide Access to Passwords and Accounts
Gaining access to a connected mobile device can open up a lot of other doors you dont want people going through. Chances are you have a number of apps with passwords. The majority of people only use a few passwords for all of their accounts. If a hacker figures out a password for one account theyll start using it to access other accounts.
If your device isnt secured a thief doesnt even need to steal it to get your information. All they need is a few minutes of access to get what they need.
Its important to use passwords to your advantage by setting a passcode (thats different from your other pin numbers) and also using the touch ID. That way its virtually impossible for someone to gain access to the sensitive information on your devices.
You can also protect your data by installing a kill switch. This allows you to deactivate a smart phone if its stolen or lost. Protecting data on devices is so important the federal Smartphone Theft Prevention Act would require that all phones have a kill switch already installed.
They House Your Banking Information
Between apps like Mint and technology like Apple Pay, more and more people are using their smart phones as their bank account. We can create budgets, manage expenses, check accounts and pay for items without ever digging out our wallet. All the information is already there on our phone.
Since we pay for things every day, being able to control your finances and connect to your bank account from your phone is a huge convenience. If youre one of the millions of smart phone users that use your phone like a debit card you cant just rely on the security measures of an app.
Every precaution possible has to be taken. Log out after every mobile banking sessions, dont use banking apps on public Wi-Fi and install mobile security software. If your phone is lost or stolen alert your bank immediately so they can deny any charges made with your phone.
They Contain Your Contacts
Its one thing to have your information stolen, but its another to accidentally give away the information for all your family and friends. A smart phone is a digital rolodex with the names, phone numbers, emails and sometimes even addresses of our contacts. If someone were to get a hold of your phone or its one of the roughly 3 million phones that are lost every year it could mean disaster for your contacts as well.
