FEBRUARY 13th IS SAFER INTERNET DAY IN THE U.S.

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Do you know what devise is the easiest target for cyber-attacks? It is your cell phone!

I found out about this vulnerability, this summer. I coach a High School Urban Policy Debate team and every summer I attend a Coach’s Training to learn the new topic and the various cases the debate league gives the debaters. One of the cases involved cyber-security.

So, as I read it I was horrified to realize that our smart phones are vulnerable and often left unprotected. I have always had protection against malware and virus on my desktop and laptop. It never occurred to me to get it for my smartphone. Part of that maybe because I use my smartphone as a phone, I rarely text, and don’t often use it to connect to the internet. (My aging eyes prefer bigger screens.)

So, take a moment to think about how you use your cellphone. Do you have banking apps, Uber (credit card information), and e-mail? Do you have a security app? What permission do these apps have to access location, camera, or microphone? Are they reading your texts or e-mails? These are just a few questions you should explore.

WHY IS MY PHONE VULNERABLE?

Are cellphones are always reaching out seeking cellphone towers or WIFI connections. Free WIFI is often offered in many locations such as coffee shops, restaurants, and businesses. But, do we really know if it is secure or a rouge access point?

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This combined with the fact that many people don’t view or think of their phones as a computer and are lax on security, make them easy targets for hackers. The fact that our phones are mobile creates a whole other set of issues as we sync them to computers. (I’m no technical expert but this sounds like a potential disaster in the making.)

In the preparation to teach my debaters about the vulnerabilities of our phones, I called one of my son’s friends who is into cyber-security to pick his brain. Mike, informed me that people are the biggest cyber-security threats. We create easy passwords to guess, don’t always update our software (I was guilty of this one-but not anymore), and because we are human make mistakes that expose our information.

Here is a Youtube video of a SNL sketch I showed my debaters. I love using humor when I can to help make the lesson enjoyable.

THE GOOD NEWS!
Mike also told me that most hackers are looking for easy targets. Thus, taking a few precautions will make them move on, seeking out the easy hacks.
Some precautions you can take

1. Only install apps from a legitimate app store (Google Play or the Apple App store.)

2. Lock the screen on your phone. This prevents thieves from accessing your information.

3. Keep your device’s software up to date.

4. Beware of phishing e-mails and texts.

5. Get a security app from Google Play or Apple App (free versions may play ads.)

6. Purchase a security app from a reliable cybersecurity company for your phone. (Norton, MacAfee, etc.)

7. Take any personal data off the phone if it is unnecessary.

8. Know what access you have given the apps you use.

9. Shut off the location when not needed.

As, I stated I am not a tech person, but a high school debate coach. I just wanted to keep my kids a little safer when they use their phones. I would love it if any one has additional recommendations or information to keep us all safer.

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