Protect Your Smartphone to Protect Your Identity

Smartphones like the iPhone and Blackberry cell phones seem like they can do just about anything, and they fit right in your pocket. Close to 46 million people in the United States own some type of smartphone. Total sales doubled in just the last year and they now represent nearly 20% of all mobile phone sales. But while these devices provide plenty of convenience, they can also cause major headaches if they fall into the wrong hands.

The downside to all of the ways you can use your mobile phone is that criminals now have the opportunity to steal valuable personal information. Your cell phone may actually pose a greater risk of having your identity stolen than your computer.

It's a lot easier for crooks to steal a phone than a bulky computer, but there's just as much private information on you phone.

Some applications for smartphones involve mobile banking and can even allow you to deposit checks without visiting the bank. But that means a criminal could find a way to obtain your checking account number and drain your funds. That makes losing a smartphone the new way to lose your wallet.

The research firm TowerGroup reports that nearly 18 million people used some type of mobile banking in 2010. By 2013, that number is expected to surpass 53 million users. That gives criminals many more targets for identity theft.

The first step toward protecting your identity on your phone is to set up a password. It seems simple, but a web-based consumer group estimates that 67% of smartphone users do not use a password.

Even with a password on your phone, a smart criminal might be able to figure out a way to get inside. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania conducted test that found they were able to lift a phone's password by examining finger smudges on the screen.

Never leave your cell phone unattended. When phones were stolen in the past, the thief couldn't do much more than make calls with it. Now you're entire life could be turned upside down.

You can also protect your identity by staying off of unsecured public wireless connections - particularly when you are accessing personal information. Avoid downloading applications, games or ringtones from websites that don't seem trustworthy. Experts say that smartphones running on the Android operating system are most susceptible to identity theft attacks.

Finally, remember to delete everything off of your smartphone before you throw it out when you get a new phone.

About the Author

Kasey Steinbrinck writes about personal finances and the economy for online check printer Check Advantage. Find out how you can get cheap checks and visit the site today!

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