Attorney General Urges Public to Secure Smartphones and Avoid Identity Theft


October 23, 2014

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Las Vegas, NV – Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto warns that as new smartphone technology emerges consumers should take precautions to keep personal information stored on mobile phones secure. 

Smartphones are essentially small computers that can make telephone calls.  A lost, stolen or unsecured smartphone can leave you vulnerable to identity theft, credit card fraud, and other threats.  Consumers must take the same security measures they would with their home computers and laptops.

“Technology is constantly transforming itself,” said Masto.  “Consumers must stay up to date with new operating systems and privacy setting to safeguard their personal information.  Additionally, consumers should be cautious of data used and shared while connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot.  This information can easily be intercepted.” 

To protect personal information on smartphones, consumers should take the following steps:

  • Set a passcode or pin on your home screen. If your phone is lost or stolen other individuals will not be able to access your applications or private information.  It is also a good idea to set your phone to automatically lock after a certain period of idle time.
  • Be wary of Wi-Fi hotspots.  Use wireless Internet wisely, Public Wi-Fi hotspots, such as restaurants and airports, are inherently insecure and open to anyone else who is connected to that public network.  Do not conduct sensitive business or banking transactions that could cause harm if intercepted by someone else. 
  • Turn off geolocation software that pin-points your exact location showing your phone’s GPS latitude and longitude data, or only turn it on when needed then turning it off.  Not only does it use up you battery life, but criminals often troll social networking sites and can use this information to locate and target you.
  • Exercise caution when downloading applications.  Only download apps from trusted sources such as those sponsored by your cell phone provider.  Apps from untrusted sources may contain malware which can steal your personal information and install viruses onto your phone.  Be sure to read the fine print to find out what access the app will have, such as access to photos and contacts.
  • Be sure to logout of websites and apps when you are done using those apps, especially banking sites or sites where your credit or debit card information may be stored.  If your phone is stolen while you are still logged in, the thief may now have access to your bank account.
  • Reset your phone to factory default settings when selling your phone. Resetting the default settings on your phone should erase any data stored on your phone. Remove any memory cards as well.  Smartphones have personal information stored on it, be sure to erase pictures, contacts and other information when disposing of or selling the phone.

Consumer protection information can also be found on the Attorney General’s Web site at www.ag.nv.gov, the Nevada Fight Fraud website at www.fightfraud.nv.govand at the Federal Trade Commission website at www.ftc.gov.

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