How to keep your mobile devices safe and secure

New Zealand media has recently featured a number of stories about happy laptop, tablet or smartphone owners who have managed to retrieve their lost or stolen devices with help from the police through the use of remote security software.

Mobiles and tablets are easy to mislay around the home and also popular with thieves being easy to sell on. But technology has evolved to offer smart consumers a myriad of ways to protect their expensive gadgets.

Prey on burglars

NetSafe has taken calls from police officers reporting the successful recovery of laptops where the remote monitoring application Prey has been installed. The open source offering lets you keep track of your phone or netbook, send out alerts, locate the position of the missing device and even snap a photo of the person using it.

Learn more about this software in the introductory Prey Project video below:

Malware and mobile security

Smartphone owners need to be increasingly aware of the risk of malware harming their device, particularly Android owners where the open development ecosystem has seen new virus threats developed that target the operating system.

Google has taken a more open, crowd based approach to security than Apple’s iOS offering and it’s important that Android users ensure they keep their system up to date by patching or upgrading the version of Android their phone or tablet runs.

Installing an anti-virus product or security suite will help keep the phone protected as companies begin to focus on the need to block new cyber security theats.

Remote lock or wipe your missing mobile

Products from many of the well known security vendors now also feature the ability to lock down the device to avoid the lucky finder accessing your email or contacts and doing harm to your business reputation as well as your bank balance.

Companies that offer mobile security software include:

More advice and feedback

For more information on smartphone security check out the NetSafe blog and if you have feedback on any of these products or other ways you’re keeping your smartphones and tablets secure and protected leave a comment below.

Readers who viewed this page, also viewed:

The Copyright (Infringing File Sharing) Amendment Act: What schools should know
The wording of the new act says it: "provides rights owners with a special regime for taking enforcement action against people who infringe copyright through file sharing" It is quite specific because it only applies to infringing ...
Can I download music and videos from YouTube? Am I breaking copyright law?
Educators please note: we have now published practical advice for schools using YouTube videos to expand upon the educational exemptions of the NZ Copyright Act. - - - New Zealand's copyright laws were updated on the 1st ...
About NetSafe
NetSafe is an independent non-profit organisation that promotes confident, safe, and responsible use of online technologies. We promote cybersafety and champion digital citizenship by educating and supporting individuals, organisations and industry on a range of issues. NetSafe ...
How can I report txt spam?
Spam is the term given to unwanted junk emails or text messages you may receive from individuals or companies in New Zealand and from across the globe. Spam complaints are dealt with by the Department of ...
What anti-virus software should I use?
Viruses and Spyware are different forms of malicious software and you need protection from both types of malware to keep your computer secure. Some internet security suites offer protection from viruses and malware as well as ...
How can I security check my computer?
If you recently received a spam or phishing email from a friend, family member or other contact using an @xtra.co.nz email address we've put together this updated security advice. Did you click on an email link ...