Get Smart─Lock Down Your Apps
Apps are what make smartphones smart. Without apps, smartphones would just be regular feature phones. Apps are what make our smartphones into our most personal computers. And like our computers, we need to protect our smartphones and apps.
Some of the most commonly used apps on the Android platform such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Gmail don’t require a log in each time they’re launched, which is convenient, but from a security standpoint, not smart.
In my world I have these 2 little gremlins that constantly pick at me for my mobile so they can play games. But they access different applications and my Facebook status can become “Fubawa%^!aaaaasd;ohjvdasBLADOFIN.” And I look like I’m 4-years old or crazy─definitely, not smart.
And what about this scenario? You hand your smartphone to a buddy to show him some pictures and then your phone gets passed around the table and then it eventually makes its way back to you. The next day you find out that someone at the table thought it was funny to post status updates on your profile that you are looking for your true love (when you’re actually married). Not smart.
This is where “App Lock” comes in. App Lock, included with McAfee Mobile Security (and also McAfee All Access), safeguards against this privacy danger. It allows Android users to protect installed apps against misuse by locking them with the same PIN that’s tied to their McAfee Mobile Security account. Smart!
Make sure you’re protecting your mobile device and your privacy. Lock your apps!
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Robert Siciliano is an Online Security Evangelist to McAfee. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Mobile was Hacked! (Disclosures)
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