News & Information

Securing Mobile Communication Devices

Mobile communication devices, such as cell phones, iphones, and blackberries, have become essential tools to first responders. Not only do these multifunctional devices allow for voice calls, they may be used for text messaging, emailing, or even accessing the Internet.

While these devices seem crucial to our daily lives, they also pose security risks due to the considerable amount of personal or sensitive information that may be accessed through them. Some of the risks associated with high tech mobile communication devices are:

• The size of the devices increases the chance of loss or theft.
• When Bluetooth communications are enabled, the devices could allow for eavesdropping or highjacking.
• If installed on your device, “malware” can allow a perpetrator remote access to your device to listen and record all of your calls, send text messages to the perpetrator whenever you make or receive a call, read your messages, make calls on your behalf from your phone, access all information on your phone, trace your location and enable the speaker on the phone to listen in on conversations even when the phone is not in use.

Depending on the functionality of your device, some of the following steps may be used to reduce risks:

• Use a password to access your device and follow the password policies of your organization.
• Disable Bluetooth functionality when not in use.
• Do not open attachments from unknown sources.
• Enable storage encryption to protect the data stored on your device.
• Use caution when downloading software to your device.
• Remove all data from device before disposing of it.

As with other forms of technology, the benefits of cell phones and “smart phones” outweigh the risks. Practicing effective security measures will help reduce risks.

Sources:
Security of Mobile Communication Devices
http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/infograms/bulletins/CIP_bulletin_6...

Prevention Relevance:
Mobile communication devices pose security risks due to the considerable amount of personal or sensitive information that may be accessed through them.

Prevention Techniques:
Risk Management: Using a password to access mobile communication devices may help to reduce security risks.

Prevention Thought:
Risk Management: Does your agency have a security policy for mobile communication devices? What methods do you use to protect your cell phone?

IPS Contact Information:
The Institute for Preventive Strategies is a national service of the Center for Rural Development, a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Somerset Kentucky.

You may contact the Institute by e-mail at: info@preventivestrategies.net

You may correspond with the Institute at:

Institute for Preventive Strategies
2292 South Highway 27, Suite 300
Somerset, KY 42501

Telephone: 1-800-860-6657

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