Secure your Mobile Device

Secure Your Mobile Device: Best Practices

Your mobile device is an essential part of your academic and professional life, but it is also a prime target for cyber threats. Protecting your phone, tablet, or laptop from security risks helps safeguard your personal information and university data. Follow these best practices to enhance your mobile security at

1. Set a Strong Passcode or Use Biometric Authentication

A strong passcode or biometric authentication (such as fingerprint or facial recognition) prevents unauthorized access to your device.

• Why it helps: Ensures that only you can unlock and access your device, protecting sensitive university and personal data.

• How to do it: Set a six-digit passcode or longer in your device’s security settings and enable biometric authentication for added protection. For more information, visit our Password Advice page.

2. Enable Automatic Software Updates

Operating system and app updates contain important security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.

• Why it helps: Prevents hackers from exploiting outdated software to access your data.

• How to do it: Enable automatic updates in your device’s settings to ensure you are always running the latest security patches.

  • More info: CISA's Mobile Device Security Guide

3. Disable Unused Services (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS)

Leaving Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS enabled when not in use can expose your device to cyber threats.

• Why it helps: Reduces the risk of unauthorized access through unsecured connections.

• How to do it: Turn off Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi when they are not needed via your device’s quick settings.

4. Limit Storage of Sensitive Information

Minimize the amount of sensitive personal and university-related information stored on your device.

• Why it helps: Reduces the risk of data exposure in case of theft or malware attacks.

• How to do it: Store confidential files in secure cloud storage approved by SCU IT and avoid saving passwords in notes or text documents.

5. Encrypt Your Device

Encryption protects the data stored on your device by making it unreadable without proper authentication.

• Why it helps: Ensures that even if your device is lost or stolen, your data remains protected.

• How to do it: Encryption is enabled by default on iOS devices with a passcode. On Android, enable encryption under Settings > Security.

6. Download Apps from Trusted Sources

Only install applications from official sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

• Why it helps: Protects your device from malware and malicious software.

• How to do it: Avoid downloading apps from unknown sources and review app permissions before installation.

  • More info: National Cybersecurity Alliance's Mobile Security Tips

7. Use Anti-Malware Software

Installing a reputable mobile security app can help detect and remove malware.

• Why it helps: Protects against viruses, spyware, and other mobile threats.

• How to do it: Use security apps recommended by SCU IT and enable real-time protection.

8. Exercise Caution with Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to cybercriminals.

• Why it helps: Prevents hackers from intercepting your communications and stealing sensitive data.

• How to do it: Use SCU’s secure Wi-Fi network when on campus. When using public Wi-Fi, connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

  • More info: Microsoft's What is a VPN article

9. Manage Browser Privacy Settings

Review and adjust browser privacy settings to limit tracking and data collection.

• Why it helps: Reduces the risk of personal data being stored or misused.

• How to do it: Disable autofill features, block third-party cookies, and clear your browsing history regularly.

10. Regularly Back Up Your Data

Backups ensure you don’t lose important information if your device is compromised.

• Why it helps: Protects against data loss due to theft, malware, or accidental deletion.

• How to do it: Use SCU-approved cloud storage solutions or external hard drives to back up critical files.

Additional Resources

• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): Mobile Communications Best Practice Guidance

• National Cybersecurity Alliance: Is Working on Your Smartphone a Risky Business or Are You Cybersecure?

By following these best practices, you can help protect your personal information and SCU data from cyber threats.