Secure Your Mobile Device
Secure your Smartphone or Tablet
Smartphones and tablets are miniature computers听capable of accessing personal and university data via the web, email, Box, the myNorthridge portal, and other resources.听Take the following steps to protect your smartphone or tablet听and听promptly report lost or stolen devices to听Campus Police Services.
Tips to Secure All Smartphones and Tablets
- Install and register a听STOP Theft security plate听with Campus Police
- Set a PIN code or password to prevent unauthorized access
- Do not use third-party apps with听university-protected data
- Only browse to trusted websites and avoid providing confidential information via the web or by email
- Do not jailbreak your device and only download apps from the official app store for your听device听(Apple iTunes, Google Play, etc.)
- Avoid downloading protected data to your device; instead, reference data in its source location听(e.g. SOLAR, Box).
Security Tips for听iPhones and iPads听
- Download, install, and test Find my iPhone or Find my iPad
- Enable the听encryption听option when backing up your device to a laptop or desktop.
Note: Apple's restricted-access platform design and rigorous app-screening processes greatly reduce the risk of malicious software entering your device. Apple does not provide built-in anti-virus software and third-party anti-virus apps are restricted from accessing the necessary layers on iPads and iPhones to provide effective anti-virus security.听There are currently no effective anti-virus software solutions available for iPads and iPhones.听
Security Tips for听Android Phones and Tablets听
- Install an anti-virus app such as Lookout Security, AVG Mobile Antivirus Security, or听Avast Mobile Security and Antivirus
- Enable the听encryption听option to protect sensitive or confidential data stored on your device (make sure your device is plugged into a power source prior to starting the encryption process to avoid data loss/corruption).
Laptop Locking Cables
Using a laptop security cable may be one of the easiest methods of protecting your laptop against theft. Laptop security cables are recommended in any location where you may have to leave your laptop. To be effective security devices laptop cables must be threaded through your desk.
The following is a list of recommended laptop cables. Note: Cables are model specific; please ensure that the laptop cable you purchase is designed to fit your laptop.