Smartphone Users Being Not-So-Smart

One of four teenagers carries a smartphone. Many of these young users wind up broadcasting their whereabouts and other personal information to complete strangers, boosting the chances of becoming victims of identity theft (USAToday.com April 20).

A smartphone is a minicomputer holding quantities of personal information that requires protection, just like computers and laptops. Yet users–including teens–aren’t taking simple, necessary steps to protect their smartphones from thieves and hackers.

Identity fraud spiked in 2011, in part because of unsafe social media and mobile behaviors. Smartphone users are about one-third more likely than the general public to be victims of identity fraud. About 7% of smartphone owners were identity-fraud victims last year, according to “Identity Fraud Report: Social Media and Mobile Forming the New Fraud Frontier” by Javelin Strategy & Research (MarketWatch.com March 26).

In April the Federal Communications Commission and the wireless industry announced creation of a stolen smartphone database, rendering stolen devices worthless and preventing thieves from reactivating the devices on other carriers (abcnews.com April 10). The wireless carriers’ databases may be completed within six months, but it could take 18 months to complete the integrated database across all carriers.

The Identity Theft Resource Center, San Diego, Calif., recommends these best practices for mobile device users:

• Password-protect your phone. Use a strong password (numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and symbols).

• Enroll in a backup/wiping program. This service backs up information on your smartphone to your home computer and “wipes” your phone if it’s lost or stolen.

• Install security software. Companies offer antivirus, malware, and security software designed for smartphones. Make sure you download software updates.

• Download apps from trusted sources. Some “bad apps” contain malware (short for malicious software).

• Don’t access financial accounts from free, public networks. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are a prime target for hackers who then have direct access to your mobile device.

Protect Your ID Week, October 17-23, 2010

Identity theft continues to grow, with the number of victims in the U.S. reaching 11.1 million in 2009, a 12.5% increase over the previous year, according to Javelin Strategy and Research. Threats exist online and offline, and no one is completely safe, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself against identity theft and limit the damage. There is no reason to live in fear of this crime, but there are ways to ensure you’re doing the best you can to prevent it.

As part of this special week, Cintas Corporation is providing free document destruction at events nationwide with the goal of making the Guinness Book of World Records for the most paper shredded in a 24-hour period.

To find an event near you, visit www.ProtectYourIDNow.org and click on the map of the United States that says “Find a PYIW event Near You”. You will also find tips, quizzes, resources and advice on how to fight ID theft, if you’re a target, and what to do if you’re a victim.