We use our mobile device and its installed apps every day . T he apps we download make it easy for us t o do everyday things like check our mail, tap onto the tram /train /bus , update our Instagram story, pay for coffee, track our calories and now even to track our property settlement ( s hameless plug of PEXA Key ). All co nveniently completed on our way in to work .
With all this private information available at the touch of a button , keeping our phones and chosen apps secure has become increasingly important.
Here are some handy tips to assist you in doing so .
1. Download from official stores
Cybercriminals are known to create rogue mobile apps that mimic trusted brands in order to obtain users’ confidential information. To avoid these type s of scam s , a lways download new apps from the official app stores , check the publisher is f rom the official supplier e.g. Property Exchange Australia Ltd) and when the app w as last updated . For example , PEXA Key is available exclusively on the Google Play St ore and Apple App store .
2. Use device security
All smart phones have multiple methods of authentication available. We advise you to:
Not leave your phone unlocked . Make sure your phone is set to auto lock within 30-60 seconds of inactivity ; and
Use at least one of the authentication methods available to unlock your device e.g. facial recognition etc.
If using a pin code to access your phone, do not use the same pin for your apps or write the m down on a piece of paper . Try using a password manager app to store , keep track of and generate new passwords and pin codes.
3. Call your provider
If you lose or m isplace your phone, call your provider to ensure your SIM is deactivated to protect your phone and the apps on it from potential criminals. This is good advice for your clients who use PEXA Key . It is also important that they remember to notify you in the unlikely event that they lose their phone.
4. Anti-virus on your phone
Your hand-held device is no different to your laptop o r PC and is similarly susceptible to scams such as phishing . Consider installing anti-virus software onto your mobile device.
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