Saturday, 19 March 2011

How Secure Does Your Mobile Phone Need To Be?

How much private information do you have stored in your mobile phone?  If yours is a basic model, there may just be a few phone numbers.  On the other hand, a smart phone will probably have your email, maybe some user IDs & passwords, bank account details?  Would you want this information to fall into the hands of someone who finds or steals your phone?

Caveat on the article below: some of the security features described for the iPhone only apply to the latest models.  e.g. prior to iOS 4, the only password lock available was a 4 digit PIN.  "Find My Phone" is only available free on iPhone 4 with iOS 4.2 or above.


My solution:
  • Contact phone number (including offer of a reward) on lock screen;
  • Password lock (not just a PIN) that locks a few minutes after the phone is turned off; &
  • 1Password app stores logins & other information which requires privacy.  It also syncs via Dropbox to my laptop.  Versions for iPhone (& iPod Touch), iPad & Android.  Free 30 day trial for Macintosh & Windows.

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