We take our smartphones and
tablets pretty much everywhere we go, which exposes them to the possibility of
theft and loss. And because our mobile devices generally store a wide variety
of personal data, including emails and access to mobile bank accounts, it's important
to invest in a mobile security app that can remotely lock and wipe a lost
device. Most mobile security apps also provide antivirus protection, which can be
important because smartphones and tablets are essentially tiny computers. Here,
we'll cover how mobile security software can protect your smartphones and tablets.
Virus & Spyware Protection
Cybercriminals are now targeting
smartphones and tablets with their malicious software, and there are a variety
of ways they can reach your mobile device. One of the most common infiltration methods
is through the apps you download. Webroot's Secure-Anywhere Mobile Premier
scans the apps you download for threats such as viruses, spyware, and Trojans,
and it will block any malicious software from installing on your Android
device. Secure Web browsing is another common feature to help prevent viruses
from infecting your phone or tablet from infected websites. For example,
Webroot's SecureWeb (free) for iOS utilizes Webroot's URL filtering to visually
indicate if the site is safe to enter, while at the same time blocking any
threats from a compromised website.
Extras
Mobile security developers
typically provide a few extras that help to further protect your device. For
example, some mobile security suites offer the ability to block text message spam,
which may include a link to a malicious URL. You may even be able to create a
list of approved or blocked contacts to control who can reach your mobile devices.
One of the most effective security extras is a SIM (subscriber identity module)
card locking feature in which your mobile phone will go into lockdown mode when
the SIM card is removed. Automatic SIM card lock is a great feature because the
first thing a phone thief typically does is remove the SIM cards so that
authorities won't be able to trace the missing phone. Another helpful feature is
built-in password protection to encrypt key files and folders on your phone
behind a password.
Automatic
SIM card lock is a great feature because the first thing a phone thief
typically does is remove the SIM cards so that authorities won't be able to
trace the missing phone.
Anti-Theft Defense
Most mobile security
products give you the freedom to delete your personal information off the phone
from a PC by accessing a secure Web address provided by the mobile security
developer. For example, Webroot's SecureAnywhere Mobile Premier ($19.99; www.webroot.com)
includes access to a Mobile Security Portal where you can log in with your
secret username and password to remotely lock, wipe, and locate an
Android-based device. Some mobile security apps let you remotely disable, clean
personal files, and find your mobile phone by sending a text message with a
keyword. Typically, the app will turn on your mobile devices GPS to help you
locate it on a map. Some tools, such as Webroot's SecureAnywhere Mobile Premier,
can force the phone to sound a loud alert, which can help you locate it if the
device is nearby.
SecureAnywhere
Mobile Premier from Webroot features an App Inspector to scan downloaded apps
for viruses before they are installed on your phone.
Built-in Password Protection
Both Android and iOS mobile
operating systems give you the ability to set up a password to unlock your phone.
(Note that these steps may be slightly different, depending on your model of
phone). To set up a password on an Android device (must run Android
2.2 or later), tap the Menu button, select Settings, choose Security, and tap Screen
Lock. At the Screen Lock window, you'll be able to choose between pattern (must
connect dots in order), PIN (enter number), or password to unlock the phone.
With iOS, tap Settings, choose General, and select Passcode Lock. In the
Passcode Lock window, you can select Require Passcode and set a four-digit code
that you’ll need to enter when unlocking your iPhone or iPad.
With
iOS devices, you can set a four-digit PIN.
