Security for Mobile Devices

Mobile computing and storage devices are extremely convenient yet pose a considerable risk if lost or stolen. Information stored on these devices or media may result in identity theft or unauthorized access to secure systems, networks, and resources. Some practices that you can employ to ensure security of your mobile device:

• Use passwords, preferably “power on” passwords for all devices. It is recommended that you enable a long password, rather than a 4-digit pin or pattern lock.
• Laptop: In addition to passwords, use a second authentication feature if possible, such as a fingerprint reader
• Phones: Lock phones using PIN or Password. Disable features not in use such as Bluetooth, infrared, or Wi-Fi
• Flash drives: Use encrypted flash drives. Recommendation: IronKey
• Set Bluetooth-enabled devices to non-discoverable mode
• Never leave your devices unattended. If you are traveling, the best practice is to always keep mobile devices
     with you. For instance, do not leave them unattended in a hotel room or in your vehicle. Always keep the
     mobile device/s in your carry-on baggage when traveling by airplane.
• Delete or electronically shred all information stored on a device before discarding it

Sensitive Information on your Mobile Device

Sensitive and confidential information should not be stored on portable devices or media such as laptops, PDAs, smart phones, USB drives, CDs, DVDs, tape cartridges, etc.
If it becomes absolutely necessary to use a mobile device for storage, protect it by using some form of encryption and other controls. When not in your personal possession, keep all such mobile devices in a locked and secure area.
Contact IT Security at 512.245.4225 for further information on how to secure mobile devices.

Media Disposal

Texas State has an on-campus media disposal/destruction service. You can dispose of any magnetic media (e.g., hard disk drives, USB drives, backup tape cartridges, DVDs, CDs, etc.) or any devices containing such media (e.g., computers, PDAs and smart phones, printers, copiers, etc.).
Further information about media disposal is available through the IT Assistance Center (ITAC) at 512.245.4822 or itac@txstate.edu.

Additional Resources

• Security of Mobile Devices by MS-ISAC 
• Cyber Threats to Mobile Devices by US-CERT
• Securing Mobile Devices by ISACA
• 3 Ways to Protect Your Laptop on the Road by Microsoft 
• USB Security Risk Presentation by John Heijmann
• Guidelines on Cell Phone and PDA Security by NIST
• 6 Ways to Improve Cell Phone Security Article by Sami Lais
• Mobile Computing Resources from EDUCAUSE