Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is urging consumers to take steps to secure their mobile devices in order to protect themselves from identity theft and malware.

According to a survey released by The Pew Research Center in January, almost half of all American adults now own smartphones. The same survey found that 17 percent of all consumers use their mobile device as their primary means of accessing the Internet.

Smartphones can be a treasure trove for hackers. Through apps and mobile browsers, people store personal information like passwords,bank account information and credit card numbers in addition to their contacts and other information.

However, a survey conducted in part by the National Cyber Security Alliance, found that more than one quarter of cell phone users are not aware of common security threats to smartphones and more than half do not know enough about mobile phone security to decide whether or not they need it.

BBB urges consumers to remember that a smart phone is no different than a desktop or laptop computer, in that it is vulnerable to the same hackers, malware, spyware and viruses.

Here are a few practical tips from BBB to secure your mobile devices:

• Lock your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, your personal information is at risk. Add a security code to your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data. Then set your device to lock automatically when not in use for  a specified time.
• Update your operating system. Those alerts on your smart phone that tell you to update your apps and operating system are more than just a minor annoyance. These updates close security loopholes and other back doors hackers can use to access your phone without your knowledge.
• Beware of unknown apps and links. Do not download any apps or click on links in your email or social media pages without first researching their source. They may contain viruses, malware or spyware that can compromise your personal data.
• Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter any passwords or access any personal data.Bad guys can use such networks as an easy means to hack your device.
• Turn off Bluetooth. Bluetooth creates a wireless connection between your phone and other devices or phones. If you are not actively using an enabled device, such as a headset, make sure your Bluetooth is turned off.
• Check your permissions. Check all of your apps to see what data they are accessing and revoke permissions for information those apps don’t need to properly operate. Check your phone’s owner’s manual or contact your wireless provider for directions on how to do so.
• Report missing devices. If your phone is lost or stolen,immediately report it to your wireless carrier and have the device disabled.
• Back up your data. Make sure you have a backup of all the apps and information — especially important photos or other irreplaceable items — stored on your phone in case it’s lost, stolen, hacked or damaged.
• Pay close attention to your phone bills. Unanticipated, sudden increases in data usage can indicate a problem. In addition, third-party content providers sometimes add erroneous charges to bills for apps or services the consumer never authorized. In addition, keep an eye out for strange texts and disrupted service. They can be red flags that indicate your phone has been hacked.
• Erase old phones completely. If you’re selling, donating or recycling your old phone, ensure all your data is completely erased and the phone is returned to factory settings before letting it out of your possession.There are online tutorials to teach you how to do this, or your wireless provider can walk you through the steps.
• Shop with caution. When shopping online with your mobile device,take the same precautions you would with a desktop or laptop. Look for the “s”in the “https://” in the address bar and research sites at bbb.org before providing any personal information or credit card numbers.
• Consider mobile security. Many sources offer antivirus or other security apps for your phone. Research them thoroughly before choosing which is right for you

The Federal Trade Commission released a series of video tips to help you protect your personal information online. The videos are available at OnGuardOnline.gov, the federal government’s site to help computer users be safe, secure and responsible.

The new video Using Public Wi-Fi Networks, explains that most public Wi-Fi hotspots don’t encrypt information you send through the network. So, if you login to an unsecured website — say a social networking site — or enter personal information in a web form, you may be sharing that information with others on the network. Hackers could use the information to hijack your accounts, or to impersonate you.

When using Wi-Fi, it’s important to know that secure hotspots require a password, and secure websites begin with “https.”

In addition, the FTC has released three other new videos available on OnGuardOnline.gov:
• Computer Security provides simple steps to help you protect yourself and your computer from scammers, hackers, and identity thieves.
• Online Shopping Tips can help you get the best deal and avoid unnecessary hassles.
• Protect Your Computer from Malware provides tips on how to avoid, detect, and get rid of viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer without your consent.

OnGuardOnline.gov is a partner in the The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign™, which is led by the Department of Homeland Security and aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and empower the American public to be safer and more secure online. The Federal Trade Commission manages OnGuardOnline.gov in partnership with other federal agencies.

The specific URLs for the website and each subject are listed below:

www.onguardonline.gov/

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0080-public-wi-fi-networks

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0081-computer-security

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0082-online-shopping-tips

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0056-protect-your-computer-malware

For for more information about online security call Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona at (520)888-5353 or visit www.tucson.bbb.org.

Business identity theft (also known as corporate or commercial identity theft) is on the rise. The damage can be devastating to the victim’s business and their reputation.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is sharing these tips on preventing and detecting business identity theft:

• Protect Your Business Records and Information- Business ID theft occurs the same as personal ID theft. If you are communicating or doing business online you are putting yourself at risk, but the majority of id theft occurs offline. Thieves obtain wallets, intercept or reroute mail, and rummage through your trash to gain sensitive information. Therefore, it is important to maintain only those records that are necessary to run or operate your business and to shred those records that are not necessary. Any documents or records you need to keep to run your business should be maintained in a secure location.
• Protect Your Business Online- Do not share financial documents, sensitive personal information or account numbers via e-mail or other Web-based services. If you must provide this sensitive information over a website, ensure that the site is secure. A secure website is indicated with “https” in the websites url.
• Monitor Activity- The best method to detect possible ID theft is to monitor activity around your business. Check your business’s credit report frequently. Sign up for e-mail alerts for your accounts. If an unexpected bill or account shows up or a regular bill doesn’t arrive, contact the billing company. Also, pay attention to contact from consumers. If consumers report to you that they have received communication that does not sound like it came from your business, check it out and try to obtain the correspondence they have received.

If your business has fallen victim to identity theft BBB offers these tips:

• Report Theft Immediately- Don’t waste any time, as soon as you feel you have fallen victim contact your bank and credit providers. Report any issue to the credit reporting agencies Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Speak to the fraud department at each bureau and put a “fraud alert” on your file that will prompt creditors to contact you before they open accounts in your name.
• File a Report with Local Law Enforcement- contact the non emergency department of your local law enforcement and arrange to file a report with them. Ask for advice on escalating issues with State or Federal officials if the need is there.
•  Document Everything- Resolving the problems caused by ID theft is a time-consuming process that requires patience and focus. Take notes about conversations, ask for names, department names, phone extensions, and record dates. Follow up with either a phone call or a letter of confirmation to all creditors and credit reporting agencies.
•  Protect Your Customers- make sure the personal and sensitive information of your customers is protected, and contact them if you feel this information has been compromised.
• Contact the BBB- Contact your local BBB and let them know what the situation is so they can issue an alert on your Business Review. The BBB can inform consumers that your ID has been compromised.