Protect Personal Devices

Phones, tablets and other personal devices contain a significant amount of information about you and often provide direct access to email, financial accounts, social media and other services. Because these devices travel with you and regularly connect to different networks and services, protecting them is an important part of keeping your information and accounts secure.

A lost or stolen device is not the only risk. Cybercriminals may also attempt to gain access through malicious apps, unsafe links, compromised networks or other security vulnerabilities. Taking a few basic precautions can reduce these risks and help protect the information stored on or accessible from your devices.

Keep Your Personal Devices Secure

• Use a PIN or passcode. Protect your device with a strong PIN or passcode and configure it to lock automatically when not in use.
• Enable biometric authentication. Use fingerprint or facial recognition when available for additional protection.
• Keep your device updated. Install operating system and application updates promptly and enable automatic updates when possible.
• Download apps from trusted sources. Use official app stores and review an app before installing it.
• Review app permissions. Limit access to your location, camera, microphone, contacts and other information to apps that need it.
• Connect carefully. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi and avoid connecting automatically to unfamiliar networks.
• Be careful with public charging. Use your own charger and power adapter when possible rather than connecting your device to an unfamiliar USB charging port.
• Enable device location and recovery features. Services such as Apple Find My and Google's device-finding features can help locate, lock or erase a lost or stolen device.
• Back up important information. Configure regular backups so important data can be recovered if your device is lost, stolen or damaged.
• Know what to do if a device is lost or stolen. Use available location and remote-lock features promptly and change passwords for important accounts if you believe they may have been compromised.

Protecting your device also protects the accounts and information it can access. A secure device, current software and careful online habits can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access.