In today’s increasingly mobile world, smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become essential tools for work, study, and daily life. But with convenience comes risk. Mobile devices are highly portable—and therefore more vulnerable to loss, theft, or cyber attack.
To help you stay secure wherever you are, Oxford’s Information Security team recommends the following best practices:
1. Secure Your Devices with Strong Protection
You wouldn't leave your front door unlocked when you head out for the day. Your mobile device can be a gateway to your digital space - personal information, emails, even University systems. Here’s how to protect your device from unauthorised access:
- Use a strong passcode or password: Avoid common patterns (like 1234 or "password") and opt for longer alphanumeric passwords where possible. Use biometric features like fingerprint or facial recognition in combination with a passcode for added security.
- Enable automatic screen lock: Configure your device to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity.
- Turn on device encryption: Most modern devices have encryption enabled by default. Check your settings to ensure this is active.
- Enable remote wipe: If your device goes missing, the ability to remotely erase all data helps prevent unauthorised access. Ensure this feature is configured ahead of time (e.g., via iCloud for Apple devices or Find My Device for Android).
2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for All Apps and Accounts
Your device password isn’t the only one that matters. Each app or service you access—email, cloud storage, banking—should have its own strong password.
- Avoid reusing passwords across services. If one is compromised, others may follow.
- Use a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all supported apps and accounts, especially those used for University work.
3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks in cafés, hotels, airports, and conference venues are often insecure and can be exploited by cybercriminals to intercept data.
- Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting University business on public Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connecting to public networks. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, protecting it from eavesdroppers.
- If you must work on the go, consider using your phone’s secure mobile hotspot instead of open Wi-Fi.
4. Keep Your Devices and Apps Up to Date
Software updates don’t just bring new features—they often include critical security patches.
- Enable automatic updates for your device’s operating system and applications.
- Uninstall unused apps, which can become security liabilities over time.
- Be cautious when downloading apps—only use official app stores and review permissions carefully.
Final Thoughts
Wherever you may be working from - the office, at home or somewhere more afield, mobile security matters. Small changes can make a big difference - whether that's turning automatic updates on for your mobile phone or updating a handful of account passwords. Take a few moments to review your settings today.
