The Internet, expansion of wireless networks, and popularity of inexpensive devices such as smartphones and tablets have changed the way people communicate. In fact, a study by International Telecommunications Union concludes there are now more mobile devices in the world than people!
Additionally, more companies are turning to mobile devices as point-of-sale devices, in a new item called a mobile-point-of-sale, or MPOS device.
It’s relatively easy to set up a device to accept payment card data. A recent survey by AT&T estimates that 85% of small businesses use smartphones for their operations and 69% use tablets.
With so many mobile devices now being used to process card transactions and other sensitive data, it becomes increasingly important to understand how to use them securely.
Here are Five Ways to Keep Your Mobile Devices Secure:
- Limit exposure of your mobile number by calling the do-not-call consortium or by simply saying “non” when stores ask!
- Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots, especially those that do not require passwords. For example, in airports, the authorized wi-fi network is advertised everywhere, but several other (potentially harmful) options always show up in shops and terminals.
- Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi whenever they are not being used
- Choose your applications carefully
- Set Bluetooth-enabled devices to non-discoverable
