Mobile Device Security

Don’t leave your devices unattended!

When you’re working in a public place, like a library or coffee shop, you may be tempted to step away from your device for a few moments to refill a water bottle or use the restroom. Those few moments are more than enough time for a thief to run off with your device. Always bring your devices with you.

Password-protect it. Encrypt it.

Choose a strong password for your mobile device! If it’s lost or stolen, the password may be all that stands in the way of someone stealing your data.

Your device’s security is only as strong as the password you select to protect it. If possible, use a complex passphrase or password instead of a simple PIN.

To review University guidelines for selecting a secure passphrase or password, see Create a Secure and Memorable Passphrase.

Keep passwords somewhere else.

Store passwords securely in a password manager rather than physically writing them down and keeping them with your device. Additionally, do not store passwords in plaintext in files on your device or in the cloud.

For more information on password managers, see Use a Password Manager.

Don’t leave it in the car.

Keeping your device in your car makes your car a bigger target for break-ins. Bring your device with you or leave it somewhere secure.

Don’t insert unknown storage media devices (e.g., flash drives) into your device.

If you find a flash drive lying around on campus, you may be tempted to plug it into your laptop to see what’s on it. Don’t do it! Flash drives may be loaded with malware that infects your device and steals your data or allows attackers to access your device remotely.

Instead, drop the flash drive off at the nearest IT help desk or email [email protected] to report it.

Don’t charge your device in a public USB port without using a data blocker or power-only charging cable.

Public USB charging ports may not be what they seem - they may be hijacked by threat actors who use them to steal data from or install malware on your device. You can block this type of attack by attaching a data blocker to one end of your charging cable.