Protect My Devices

Last updated: January 7, 2025
Protect My Devices

Not Just a Tool of Convenience

We spend so much time customizing our mobile devices with our favourite apps, music, and photos, that we can easily forget how important it is to secure our devices against cyber criminals!

Mobile devices contain a lot of information about us – from financial information contained in our private bank accounts to personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers, and home addresses.

By setting aside some time to educate yourself on cyber security for your mobile device, you can ensure this information stays protected.

 

Security Checklist

Let’s face it, we love our devices. It is probably the last thing you look at before you fall asleep and one of the first after you wake up. Make sure your device is secure with our handy checklist!

Man using phone and tablet working on laptop computer at home office
Lock your device with a strong password and/or biometrics

Enable multi-factor authentication

Review privacy policies and terms of use

Turn off location functionality when it is not in use
Turn off any features of an application that you are not using that are configurable in your device's settings
Update your privacy settings

Uninstall apps that you do not use

  • Be alert to any apps that request access to data that is not relevant to the functionality of the app.

Keep your operating system and installed apps up-to-date

  • Updates often fix security issues and add new features to allow you to get more out of your device.
  • Enable automatic updates if at all possible.
  • Prompted at inconvenient times? Set a reminder to turn on your device during off-hours (like right before bed).

Go Further...

Privacy Matters @ UBC

Safety & Risk Services | 2389 Health Sciences Mall
University Counsel | 6328 Memorial Road,
UBC Cybersecurity | 6356 Agricultural Road
E-mail privacy.matters@ubc.ca

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