If you have a smart phone connected to cellular data, or have a Wi-Fi network, chances are that you use it to browse the web. Too many smart phones are very different from computers due to the way we use them, the way they present content, and the physical designs and dimensions. While these points are valid and true they don’t entirely prove the point that smart phones or any mobile devices, are much different from computers.

Fundamentally they all work similarly in the way that they process information. Because of this similarity, they also fall victim to thieves and hackers similarly. Just like a computer, your smartphone or tablet is susceptible to malware and viruses. Luckily there are things you can do to protect your data before and after you decide to recycle your device.

There are many things you can do to protect your smart phone or mobile device. “Lookout”, a company that produces smart phone antivirus software, has prepared five security tips which cover most vulnerabilities:

 

1. Your phone is a computer. Protect it like one.
   • With dramatic increases in mobile browsing, behavior skilled hackers have taken to developing and spreading viruses and malware affecting mobile devices including smart phones. Luckily antivirus brands have also picked up on the increasing trend of mobile browsing, and many antivirus solutions are available for smart phones. Consider installing one to keep your phone safe.

 

1. Automatic screen lock is your friend.
   • In the unfortunate event that your phone gets lost or even stolen out of your hands, your best bet to keeping it safe is to make sure the phone locks itself after a certain period of time of not being used. Automatic screen lock increases the odds greatly that a thief won’t be able to access your information.

 

1. Keep your device up to date.
   • Software updates are filled with patches to fix security vulnerabilities. Keeping your device updated is one of the best ways to ensure that it will stay secured from malware which takes advantages of software vulnerabilities.

 

1. Be careful with public hotspots.
   • Wi-Fi hotspots have become commonplace in many places. Many people rely heavily on using public Wi-Fi, but before hitting that connect button, keep in mind that you may not be connecting to a safe network. It is very easy to create fake networks that not only fish for your personal information, but also monitor your browsing behavior and log any information you might type in including credit card numbers, social security numbers and more. Consider saving important web tasks for when you can connect to a secured and private network.

 

1. Pay attention to the apps you are downloading.
   • One of the most prevalent forms of mobile malware comes from apps which are developed and infected by questionable developers. Apps should only be downloaded from trusted sources (namely the respective app stores for both Android and iOS). If an app makes questionable claims or looks illegitimate, steer clear or proceed with extreme caution.

 

What if you are about to recycle your device? There are still security concerns that you should consider including what could happen if your device ended up in the wrong person’s hands in-tact. Complete Electronics Recycling, is proud to offer a data destruction service to fulfill these concerns. Our solution is simple: we destroy the device! Once the flash memory chips that store(d) your information are physically destroyed, there becomes literally no way that any data can be recovered from them.

As always, all of our operations fall within spec and guidelines set out by NAID so you know your device is in safe hands. If you’re interested in recycling your mobile device, or want to make sure you dispose of your device safely, contact Complete Electronics Recycling today. (417) 864-4415