Laptops, tablets, and smartphones let you stay in touch with friends, family, and everyone else while away
from your home or office. But what you may not think about is how to keep these gadgets safe, whether you’re using them at the time or not. Dropping your device can cause serious damage or even cause it to
stop working entirely. And there are always people looking to steal gadgets or infect them with viruses in order to access sensitive data. We looked at a few accessories, settings, and applications that can help prevent damage, be it physical or virtual.
CASES & SCREEN PROTECTORS
The increasing popularity of tablet computers has ushered in many new accessories. There are screen protectors that let you use your tablet freely but save the display from scratches. And there are also skins and cases available that protect the entire device rather than just the display. For some smartphone users, a
simple screen protector may be enough to prevent scratches and keep their smartphones in good condition.
But for others, a case may be necessary to keep their smartphones safe. The OtterBox iPhone 4/4S Defender Series Case ($49.95; www.otterbox.com) can give you the best of both worlds. This case is less bulky and more rugged than some alternative iPhone cases, and its integrated “protective membrane” prevents the display from getting scratched. The case prevents shock damage if you happen to drop your phone, and the design stops dust from getting inside the phone. This particular case comes in three parts—the screen protector, silicon case, and polycarbonate holster— and provides a good option for preventing physical damage without adversely affecting your phone’s aesthetic look.
STRONG PASSWORD
Physical damage isn’t the only thing to worry about with mobile devices. There is a chance your device could become lost or stolen, so you have to make sure you keep it as secure as possible if it falls into someone else’s hands. Even without apps and extra software, many smartphones and laptops have security settings that can provide a basic level of protection. When creating a password for use on your device, make sure it is a complicated mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters along with numbers or symbols. Many smartphones have security settings you can enable so your phone locks automatically after a certain number
of failed attempts to enter the correct password or passcode.
LAPTOP SECURITY SOFTWARE
When it comes to protecting your laptop, it’s a good idea to purchase security software that includes antivirus, spam blocker, and other features that make Internet and email safe to use wherever you are. Installing security software can prevent company information from being accidently leaked or stolen. For instance, Trend Micro (www.trendmicro.com) provides a variety of security solutions for home, home office,
and enterprise customers. You can also purchase a laptop tracking program that will help you locate your computer should you leave it somewhere or suspect it may have been stolen. Then you can determine its location using another computer or your smartphone. It’s also key to keep your operating system and antivirus software updated so you can utilize the most current security measures at any time.
WIRELESS SETTINGS
When it comes to sending data over wireless networks, you can’t be too careful. Always remember to turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your smartphone or laptop to ensure you don’t accidently broadcast sensitive information or leave your device open for attack. You should also be mindful of the data you send in general because most emails, text messages, and files aren’t encrypted and may be visible to anyone connected to the same network.
SMARTPHONE SECURITY APPS
Smartphones are becoming popular targets for viruses and spam. Many people use smartphones to access their email and the Internet, making the devices prone to many of the same security threats as laptops. Even text messages are vulnerable to attack, so security apps are necessary to fully protect your phone. Webroot Mobile Security Basic (www.webroot.com) is a free Android application that works with smartphones and tablets. It features a remote lock that prevents others from accessing your phone, an app scanning feature that makes sure apps that you download are safe, and an unwanted call and text message blocker. In addition to authentication, certificate management, secure email, and other security offerings for large organizations and financial institutions, Entrust (www.entrust,com) makes IdentityGuard Mobile. Geared toward corporate users, IdentityGuard protects devices (including consumer devices) with digital certificates, SMS one-time passcodes, and other measures. For BlackBerry users, Snap Secure (formerly SmrtGuard Mobile Security; free; www.smrtguard.com) lets you track your phone and remotely lock it. There is also a PRO version of the app that includes mobile antivirus and anti-spam features.
