Smartphone Security: Keeping Your Sensitive Data Safe

A few years ago, I think we all would have been astounded to hear that in the near future there would be a smartphone revolution. I still remember when my boss had a Blackberry instead of an iPad and used it more to access Outlook than download games, browse the Internet, or keep track of secure financial information. But these days we use our smartphones, iPods, and tablets for just about everything, including sensitive, personal stuff like banking, bill tracking, 401K planning, diary-writing (you know Steve Jobs has a secret diary) and more.

But with the smartphone revolution, it doesn't seem like much has been done on the security side of these devices. Are we really safe browsing our finances through our smartphones? What's to stop hackers from getting their hands on this sensitive data? Are there security measures in place to protect us? And if not, what can we do to protect ourselves?

The funny (or scary) thing is, I haven't heard much about security features for smartphones, iPods, iPads, and all those awesome gadgets. Sure, they all have a way to lock the device (where you input a 4-or-so digit code to gain access) and some even offer means of wiping it if it gets stolen, but what about all the information that's there 24/7 on a daily basis? Does your iPad contain your bank account numbers? Stored passwords to access your savings? Even more data to keep track of like birthdays, addresses, or worse, your social security number? (You know someone out there has kept this info 'safe' on their smartphone!)

What Security Features Currently Exist?

Little to none is the short answer. Most apps you'll find are either fingerprint scanners, alarms, or show you newly listed security threats, none of which actively protect your device. The long answer? They're working on it. Within the next year, we may see a rise in security apps that you can download to assist in keeping your data safe. Already, there are a few contenders, but they ain't cheap:

• Lookout Mobile Security: for Android, Windows, and Blackberry smartphones, there is a free and paid service that protects against viruses, malware, and spyware, accesses backups/restores, tracks your stolen phone, and more.


• SMobile Systems: For Android, Windows, and Blackberry smartphones, this software charges $29.99 per year for antivirus, antispam, firewall, backup/restore, device lock, device wipe, and GPS location.


• BullGuard.com: For Android, Windows, Symbian and Blackberry smartphones, you'll pay $29.95 per year for anti-virus and anti-spyware, anti-theft, parental controls, firewall, spam filter, basic backup, and 24/7 support.

So far, I have yet to find anything that works for any Apple devices.

What Can You Do?

The number one thing is to simply be aware of what you download and where you browse. Just like on your PC, don't visit websites that you don't trust, and don't give your information out or save login information if you are worried. That goes for app-downloading, too:  Don't download anything that doesn't have verified ratings or that looks fishy.

If you connect via WiFi channels in public spaces, ensure the connections are secure.  Using open, unsecured WiFi connections run huge risks. It's tempting because it's free, but think of what you could lose.

Finally, update your devices! When new updates come out, they are for your added benefit, so downloading and installing updates as quickly as possible keeps your device as safe as it can be.

So, what do you guys do to protect your smartphones and tablets? Any tips for us fellow hipsters?