Considering the fact that mobile devices have been selling much better than the workstations, it is important to know that the same strategy applies as well to these devices.

Here are some quick steps that you can do to improve the security of your mobile device.

1. Set a strong password for your mobile device.

Here are tips how to do this and here are general tips about how to create a strong password.

2. Set up an anti-theft solution. 

Mobile devices are easier to lose or get stolen than laptops and computers. This is why it is extremely important that you set up such a tool. Some mobile devices come with a preinstalled solution, some don’t (iPhone has “Find my iPhone”, Android has the Google services). If you don’t like those or just want to try something new, you can give Avira Free Mobile Security (Android and iOS) a try.

3. Install the latest updates of the operating system

No matter if iOS, Android, Windows mobile, etc., they all get updates if they are still supported by the provider. Usually the latest version of the OS brings not only new features, but most important, security updates.

4. Install the latest updates of your apps.

Same as above, not only the operating system is vulnerable, most of the time the apps are those with security problems.

5. Install a security solution

Even if malware is not so widespread on mobile platforms as it is on Windows, there are still many threats out there. Many apps are not what they seem to be and most important, they are not always doing what they say they do. This is the reason why you should install a security solution (with antivirus) for your mobile device.

6. Do not install from unofficial app stores

There are thousand of application stores for Android, but most important, it opens your device to unknown, unchecked apps that can endanger your security.

7. Do not root your device

Rooting a device can invalidate the warranty of your device and can create other security holes as well. For iOS it also give the possibility to install apps from unofficial stores having other possible consequences.

8. Encrypt the storage

Some mobile devices, if not all by now, allow the encryption of the storage (either external or built-in). This is important if you store all kind of information on your mobile device (like tablets).

9. Always connect to only secure Wi-Fi network connections

By connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks you send all data in plain text. Including passwords…

10. Use your device with security in mind

Even if you are using a non-Windows operating system doesn’t mean that you can’t get infected. Be cautious when browsing suspicious websites, when opening email attachments, when allowing apps to access your data or when requesting special privileges that they should not require to function.

This is a chapter in Improve your Security free eBook. Get it from here: http://improve-your-security.org/book/