Christmas 2011 was one for the record books in terms of portable tech,
with more than 6.8 million mobile devices activated on Christmas Day.
Furthermore, an approximate 1.2 billion apps for both Apple and Android
devices were downloaded over the Christmas weekend. If you were one of
the millions lucky enough to score one of these hot devices, now is the
time to look into options for protecting it from theft, damage and other
viable threats. From heavy-duty cases to mobile virus software, these
top 10 tools can help you safeguard your pricey new gadget from the
inside out.
1. Protective Cases
The Griffin Elan Form
This one may seem obvious but a staggering number of people still don’t use anything to protect the exterior of their mobile devices. Using a durable protective case can help keep your smartphone or tablet in optimal condition for longer, especially if you tend to be tough on your devices. Fortunately, cases are typically built for both form and fashion, offering maximum protection in stylish and slim silhouettes.
The Griffin Elan Form
This one may seem obvious but a staggering number of people still don’t use anything to protect the exterior of their mobile devices. Using a durable protective case can help keep your smartphone or tablet in optimal condition for longer, especially if you tend to be tough on your devices. Fortunately, cases are typically built for both form and fashion, offering maximum protection in stylish and slim silhouettes.
2. Remote Wipe
Find My Phone App
Mobile gadgets may be pricey but they are easily replaced if stolen. The data on them, however, is much more important. These days, cell phones store all sorts of personal information – think cached online banking passwords, email accounts and more – and can become hazardous in the hands of an unsavory type. In the event your device is stolen, a remote wipe application allows you to remotely wipe all of its data. All of the major mobile platforms support some kind of remote wipe application.
Find My Phone App
Mobile gadgets may be pricey but they are easily replaced if stolen. The data on them, however, is much more important. These days, cell phones store all sorts of personal information – think cached online banking passwords, email accounts and more – and can become hazardous in the hands of an unsavory type. In the event your device is stolen, a remote wipe application allows you to remotely wipe all of its data. All of the major mobile platforms support some kind of remote wipe application.
3. Cloud Services
iCloud
iCloud
A cloud service automatically and securely stores your content in the cloud so it is always available on any of your synced computers or devices. For instance, any content, including photos and contacts, that you add to your mobile phone is automatically synced to your account. The advantage of using a cloud service to protect your gadget (assuming it’s an internet-connected one) is if it’s ever damaged or lost, you can still access the content that was stored on it through your cloud service.
4. Screen Protectors
ZAGG invisibleSHIELD
A fundamental component of any gadget is the screen, especially on a touchscreen device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Screen protectors, like ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD, provide comprehensive scratch protection that can extend the life of your device. Completely transparent and amazingly thin, screen protectors come pre-cut to exactly match the contours and dimensions of your specific device.
ZAGG invisibleSHIELD
A fundamental component of any gadget is the screen, especially on a touchscreen device such as a smartphone or a tablet. Screen protectors, like ZAGG’s invisibleSHIELD, provide comprehensive scratch protection that can extend the life of your device. Completely transparent and amazingly thin, screen protectors come pre-cut to exactly match the contours and dimensions of your specific device.
5. Mobile Virus Software
BullGuard Mobile Security
Any internet-connected device is susceptible to viruses. Viruses can wreak havoc on your smartphone or tablet, interfering with use or in the worst case scenario, rendering it ineffective. Mobile virus software blocks viruses and keeps you from unintentionally downloading or installing harmful viruses when accessing the internet on your device.
BullGuard Mobile Security
Any internet-connected device is susceptible to viruses. Viruses can wreak havoc on your smartphone or tablet, interfering with use or in the worst case scenario, rendering it ineffective. Mobile virus software blocks viruses and keeps you from unintentionally downloading or installing harmful viruses when accessing the internet on your device.
6. Cell Phone Parental Control SoftwarePhoneSheriff
While smartphones allow you to stay connected on the go, such widespread accessibility can be laden with risk, especially for young users. If your kid was gifted a new smartphone for Christmas, mobile parental control software is a must. Such software allows you to monitor your kids’ wireless communications and control their internet usage, preventing access to questionable or explicit content. Some applications even allow you to create a list of “trigger” words or phrases, alerting you when your child sends or receives any message containing one of the listed words. Cell phone parental control software helps keep your child safe and provide you with peace of mind.
7. GPS Phone Tracking
AccuTracking
Mobile devices and other gadgets are becoming smaller, pricier and subsequently, more vulnerable to theft. Thousands of devices are stolen each year, and replacing your gadget can cost hundreds of dollars, particularly if you don’t have insurance through your carrier. A GPS phone tracking app turns your device into a GPS tracking device, so you can pinpoint the real-time location of your phone in the event it is lost or stolen. GPS phone tracking is also ideal for parents who want to keep tabs on their kids when they are away from home.
AccuTracking
Mobile devices and other gadgets are becoming smaller, pricier and subsequently, more vulnerable to theft. Thousands of devices are stolen each year, and replacing your gadget can cost hundreds of dollars, particularly if you don’t have insurance through your carrier. A GPS phone tracking app turns your device into a GPS tracking device, so you can pinpoint the real-time location of your phone in the event it is lost or stolen. GPS phone tracking is also ideal for parents who want to keep tabs on their kids when they are away from home.
8. Antispyware Browser App
Trend Micro Smart Surfing
An antispyware browser app, such as Trend Micro’s SmartSurfing for Apple devices, helps guard your gadget against web threats. Malware, spyware and phishing sites are all used to steal personal information - think stored passwords, financial documents or inforamtion gleaned from email accounts - off of computers and mobile devices. The app denies access to malicious URLs and helps protect your device against phishing attacks. You can also modify your protection level, choosing the level of protection you feel necessary.
Trend Micro Smart Surfing
An antispyware browser app, such as Trend Micro’s SmartSurfing for Apple devices, helps guard your gadget against web threats. Malware, spyware and phishing sites are all used to steal personal information - think stored passwords, financial documents or inforamtion gleaned from email accounts - off of computers and mobile devices. The app denies access to malicious URLs and helps protect your device against phishing attacks. You can also modify your protection level, choosing the level of protection you feel necessary.
9. iPad Lock
iPad Security Lock
An iPad lock is a physical locking mechanism that secures the tablet to a fixed object such as a table. While tablet locks are primarily used in retail environments, they are ideal for any consumer who wants to keep roommates, colleagues and others from swiping their tablet without permission.
iPad Security Lock
An iPad lock is a physical locking mechanism that secures the tablet to a fixed object such as a table. While tablet locks are primarily used in retail environments, they are ideal for any consumer who wants to keep roommates, colleagues and others from swiping their tablet without permission.
10. Mobile Security Service
McAfee WaveSecure
For total gadget security, opt for a mobile security service. Mobile security services for smartphones and tablets are all-inclusive security suites, providing tracking, antivirus protection, and remote lock and wipe capabilities in one seamless application. The services don’t come cheap and most are subscription-based. However, you may find the comprehensive security and subsequent peace of mind the service provides are well worth the cost.
McAfee WaveSecure
For total gadget security, opt for a mobile security service. Mobile security services for smartphones and tablets are all-inclusive security suites, providing tracking, antivirus protection, and remote lock and wipe capabilities in one seamless application. The services don’t come cheap and most are subscription-based. However, you may find the comprehensive security and subsequent peace of mind the service provides are well worth the cost.
Whether you were gifted a smartphone or a tablet,
it is imperative to take the necessary precautions to keep your gadget
secure both internally and externally. Doing so will extend the life of
your gadget and keep all personal information stored on the device safe
and out of the wrong hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment