Protecting Personal Information on Mobile Devices
Some of the most common privacy breaches experienced by organizations of all sizes occur when personal information is lost or stolen. Mobile devices – such as laptops, smartphones and tablets – are of special concern, as they can be easily lost and are attractive to thieves. Flash drives and external hard drives are also affected when connected to a device or stored in a laptop bag or backpack. Even desktop computers can be targeted for theft.
Mobile devices often store files containing the personal information of others. Whether relating to a student, fellow employee or research participant, personal information must be protected from unauthorized access. Not only is this important to comply with applicable legislation, ¶¡ÏãÔ°AV policy and research agreements, privacy breaches can also have serious monetary and reputational consequences.
To help lessen the risk of privacy breaches involving mobile devices and drives, follow these guidelines:
- Never leave your device unattended and lock office doors, desks and cabinets
- Protect your device with a strong, unique password
- Avoid storing personal information in the first place by using network drives instead – even with desktop computers
- Encryption of files and devices is the best way to lessen the impact caused by device loss or theft and should be used whenever possible
- Delete files containing personal information when no longer needed
- Anti-theft apps such as Find My Device (Android) and Find My iPhone (iOS) can wipe smartphones remotely
- (including freeware) exists to securely erase laptops
- Set automatic screen locks to avoid unauthorized viewing of personal information