Is there much risk using my mobile phone?

There can be risk with using your mobile phone if you're not careful. Not only is there the well-known threat of theft or damage to your phone, but with connectivity features like bluetooth, wi-fi and the Internet, you can also be at risk of hackers.

Follow these simple precautions to help protect your phone:

1. Make sure your operating system is up to date
   • Manufacturers update their operating systems in order to plug security gaps as they arise. Ensuring that you have the latest software means that you won't be left vulnerable to new security threats.
2. Think twice about where you surf
   • Your PC probably has anti-virus software but your phone won't. You need to be careful where you're surfing because you're not as well protected on your phone as you are on your PC.
3. Don't 'jailbreak' or 'root' your phone
   • Jailbreaking refers to a user running unofficial code on their device (e.g. installing an application on your iPhone that hasn't been approved by Apple). There is a chance that malicious code could be included which could do anything from 'bricking' your phone (effectively rendering it unusable) to sending sensitive data back to the programmer. Jailbreaking your phone also voids your warranty so be careful!
4. Turn on your phone's anti-lock and any other security features
   • Even losing your phone could be a security hazard - if your mobile ends up in the wrong hands they may have access to any number of your personal details that are entered into your phone. By activating password features on your phone it could help protect your information from getting into the wrong hands.
     If your phone holds sensitive information and supports 'remote wipe' (in which you can effectively remove all information from your mobile via the internet) it might pay to activate this.
5. Record your phone's IMEI number
   • If you have a record of this number and can give it to Slingshot if your phone is stolen or lost, we can block the phone from using our network. It will also help police identify the phone if it's recovered. The IMEI number can be viewed by entering*#06# on your mobile handset.
6. Switch off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you're not using them
   • Having these features on presents other devices a window in which to access your phone. Having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth switched off renders your phone invisible to potential hackers and just gives you that little bit of extra protection.
7. Don't connect to any old Wi-Fi hotspot
   • It's tempting to save on mobile data and leech off someone elses' connection however some of these hotspots are set up purely to phish passwords and other information. If you're connecting to a hotspot make sure it's one you trust.
8. Consider installing security software
   • If you're not particularly confident in your ability to recognise threats, or you're disaster-prone it might pay to install a security client for your phone. Security providers such as ESET, Kaspersky, and Symantec offer a solution for your mobile already.
9. If it seems strange, it probably is!
   • Don't just assume that something is legit; take whatever measures you can to check something out before you put it on your mobile.