Tag: Smartphone

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Casserly Consulting Blog

Encryption Helps Keep your Smartphone Secure

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These days everyone has a smartphone; and, they can do some pretty incredible things. One place that the average smartphone may seem to be a little loose is in the arena of data security. Today’s smartphones do, in fact, come with encryption by default, so there is some semblance of device security on every device. What does this mean? We’ll break it down.

“Smartphone encryption” describes the state in which the data on the device is scrambled so that people that don’t have the proper security clearance, won’t be able to see the device’s contents. While this is extraordinarily helpful for device security and personal privacy, it has nothing to do with protecting actual data transmission.

Without entering the credentials or biometric data that allows for a device to open, many of the features a device has are not able to be accessed. In fact, most modern smartphones won’t actually connect to a Wi-Fi network without the proper credentials. This is handled differently on the different mobile platforms.

Apple
The iPhone ships with 256 AES encryption. It is not stored on the phone (which could result in more successful hacks), a correct passcode combines with data stored on the Secure Enclave chip to generate a key that unlocks the device. This chip also holds biometric data (fingerprint and facial recognition) that can be used to open the device or use Apple Pay. Any Apple product that is repeatedly unsuccessfully opened will lock, stopping unwanted parties from getting into your iPhone.

Android
Since so many more people use the Android mobile OS, Google did not make device encryption standard until devices that run their Android 6.0 Marshmallow mobile OS. If your new Android device runs 6.0 Marshmallow or better, it now ships with encryption enabled. Since Google’s implementation of encryption depends on the manufacturer, some phones will use a key generation system similar to the iPhone’s, while others will use a more complex system called file-based encryption. File-based encryption allows for varying levels of decryption and provides unauthorized users access to a limited number of the features on the device.

In the News
Over time, there has been a push for mobile OS developers to build in “backdoors” to ensure that law enforcement can get into a device if/when they need to. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google have had to field their fare share of criticism, but strongly defend their position. Apple CEO Tim Cook states the following, “In the physical world, it would be the equivalent of a master key, capable of opening hundreds of millions of locks – from restaurants and banks to store and homes. No reasonable person would find that acceptable.”

Encryption is for your benefit. If you would like more information about modern digital cryptography or any other mobile security, visit our blog.

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Casserly Consulting Blog

Tip of the Week: How to Transfer Apps to a New Phone

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There is little that is more satisfying than obtaining a new phone. However, this sense of satisfaction is often undermined by the need to get your applications and data to ensure that your new device has everything you normally use installed. For this week’s tip, we’ll go over a method of making this process easier on an Android phone.

The first step to ensuring that your Android’s data can be retrieved is to ensure that it is properly backed up and able to be retrieved.

To check, you will need to access Settings, before opening Backup & reset. You will then have to toggle on Back up my data. You’ll then return to previous menu and select Backup & reset. Check that your Android account is the correct one in Backup account. You will then toggle automatic restore to On to be able to restore settings and data associated with the Android account in question.

Now that you’ve enabled Android’s backup service, your personal settings and application data will be saved to Google Drive. Now that the preliminary steps are handled, it’s time to restore your applications and settings to your new phone.

Restoration
Restoring your applications and data is pretty straightforward if you are utilizing the Lollipop-version of the Android OS or above. This setting is available to phones as they’re booting up for the first time, or just after they have been factory reset.

  1. Select the arrow at the welcome screen to start setting up your phone.
  2. Select System language and log into your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Select Accept and continue.
  4. You can then copy your Google accounts, apps, and data from another device. If you choose not to do that, you can then forge ahead by logging in to your Google account.
  5. There will be a privacy statement, press Accept.
  6. Now go to the Google services page. Here you can select to enable the backup service for your account.
  7. Choose all your preferences and select Next.
  8. If you want to add an email account, you can do so in the Add another email section. If you don’t need to do that, just select Not now, then click Next.
  9. You will then have to restore your apps from the “Which device?” menu. You will see all the Android devices that you’ve used. Select the device to see which apps will be available when you restore. If you don’t want everything restored, you can choose the arrow next to the Restore option and select what you’d like to restore and what you’d like to leave off your new device.
  10. Choose which device’s configuration you want to restore from, hit Restore.

After your apps are restored, be sure to enable security for your phone; and, if you so choose, get Google Now for your device.

The Android smartphone is one of today’s most important productivity tools. For more great information about mobile usability and security, give us a call today at PHONENUMBER.

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Casserly Consulting Blog

11 Ways to Enhance Android Security

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It should come as no surprise that hackers are always trying to get ahead of security developers, just as it should be no surprise that these hackers often target the Android operating system. After all, the Android OS is used on mobile devices all over the world. If your business leverages these devices, there are quite a few security considerations you need to keep in mind.

Remember Security Basics
There are multiple ways to help your mobile security that take relatively little effort on your part. If you aren’t already in the habit, get used to locking your device whenever it isn’t in use. To unlock your device, you should require a PIN at the very least, and leverage biometric authentication whenever possible. This will help to keep your phone secured if it should be lost or stolen in public.

Use Google Play to Keep Your Devices Organized
Whenever you download an application from the Google Play Store, you are given the option to install the app on any device associated with your Google account. This list is also used to locate a misplaced device. You can help to make this easier by renaming your devices to differentiate between them more easily. Should you need to remove a device from your list, all you have to do is uncheck the box labelled Show in Menus.

Make Sure Your Trusted Devices are Updated
Every device you access your Google account with is automatically added to a list of trusted devices. You should make sure that this list only has devices on it that you know and trust. If there is a device that is unfamiliar on this list, you should remove it and change your password immediately. To check which devices have access to your Google account, visit https://myaccount.google.com/device-activity.

Finding a Lost Device
In the event that your device is misplaced, Google has a solution that you can leverage to find it more easily by taking a few proactive measures. First, open up your Android device’s Settings and find the Google option. From there, select Security and activate the Find My Device setting. While in settings, you should also confirm that your Location settings are activated so that Find My Device will work properly. You can even use the web version of Find My Device to make your lost device ring and help to find it.

Leverage Google’s Security Check
If you ever suspect that your Google account is vulnerable to access by unauthorized parties, the web giant provides a security checker that evaluates your preparations. This tool can be found here: https://myaccount.google.com/security-checkup.

Review the Passwords Saved to Smart Lock
One of Google’s features is a handy one, but could foreseeably create some difficulties in the future. Smart Lock will save the credentials you use to access different accounts with the device. However, you should periodically check and be sure that the passwords are properly updated to avoid issues when you try to access your saved accounts.

Connect with Caution
While it can be handy to connect an app to your Google account, this isn’t a permission you should grant willy-nilly. Some apps will only be needed once or twice, and others will become a tool you regularly use. If you no longer have use for an app, it is best that you remove it from your account. After all, the more connections your account has, the more vulnerable it is to attack. You can edit your account permissions by visiting https://myaccount.google.com/permissions.

Be Discerning When Downloading Apps
Even the Google Play Store can have a threatening application available, despite the best efforts to screen out such apps. As a result, you should be sure to only download applications from the Play Store, and even then, consider each app and its permissions before adding it to your device.

Leverage Android’s App-Scanning Capabilities
Android has a security scanning feature built in, eliminating the need to download a third-party app to accomplish the same thing. In Settings, access Security & Location. Under Google Play Protect, make sure that Scan device for security threats is selected. Your device will now periodically run automatic scans in the background for threats, only notifying you if an issue is discovered.

Reinforcing with Third-Party Apps
Despite the incorporation of Android’s security scanning capabilities, it may not hurt to add additional protections. A trusted IT provider will be able to recommend solutions that you can rely on to protect your devices.

Incorporating 2FA
2FA, or Two-Factor Authentication, is another excellent way to keep others from accessing your accounts. With a solution like Google Authenticator or many others, a single-use code will be generated that is a necessary credential along with your username and password. You’ll want to lean on your IT provider to ensure you have a trustworthy 2FA solution that meets a business’ needs.

If you want to learn more about mobile security, or any other IT topic, lean on the resources at COMPANYNAME. We’re available at PHONENUMBER.

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Casserly Consulting Blog

Tip of the Week: Drag and Drop Between Android and Windows

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Smartphones have proven to be excellent devices for enhancing an employee’s ability to be productive while mobile. However, this approach often means that company work is now on an employee’s mobile device, instead of on your network. This issue can be easily resolved if the mobile device in question runs the Android OS. We’ll go over how for this week’s tip.

Android-to-PC File Transfers
Due to the fact that an Android device allows you direct access to its file system, it can essentially serve the same purpose as your standard external hard drive. Just as you would plug an external hard drive into a computer to move data, you can most likely use the charging cable for your device to connect it to your workstation.

Once your smartphone is connected and unlocked, you should be able to find a notification informing you that the device is charging. Tapping the notification will bring up a menu of the USB connection capabilities, for which one option is “Transfer files.” With that enabled, open File Explorer on your workstation. Your Android device should be accessible through the File Explorer menu.

Accessing your device this way will allow you to browse through your files and copy them over to your PC.

Safely Leveraging BYOD
Of course, security should always be your first concern when implementing a new process. Even a process as small and simple as transferring files from a mobile device needs to be approached mindfully for the business’ safety. A Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD, strategy may be tempting to implement to help cut the costs of equipping your entire staff with company mobile devices. However, if you elect to enact BYOD practices, you need to be sure that you are properly prepared to deal with any risks associated with them. That’s where we come in.

COMPANYNAME can help you to establish a BYOD strategy that meets the needs of your business–without exposing it to undue risk. Call PHONENUMBER to get started.

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Technology

Tip of the Week: 4 Accessories Every Smartphone Needs

b2ap3_thumbnail_smartphone_accessories_400.jpg Smartphones are very convenient technologies, but with a couple of improvements to your device repertoire, you can drastically improve both your user experience and the value of your device. Here are four smartphone accessories that can enhance the way you use your mobile device.

Portable Battery Pack
Sometimes, no matter how much you charge your battery, you might find yourself falling short of the juice required to work while on the go. You aren’t always going to have access to an outlet, and even a quick charge may not be enough to get the job done. In instances like this, a portable battery pack is a huge help. There are battery packs available that are compatible with modern USB technology, so all you have to do is plug in your phone to charge your device. For starters, you can check out this one made by Anker.

A Long USB Cord
Your typical smartphone charging cable is generally only a few feet long, which means it’s easy to come up short when you need a charge. If you regularly find yourself needing the extra length, you can try out this huge USB cord by Anker. It makes a perfect partner for the portable battery pack we brought up. Plus, this cord is built out of some pretty hefty material, which means that you won’t have to worry about your pet chewing it, or severing it unexpectedly when moving a heavy piece of furniture around. With reinforced stress points, the cord can be bent and wrapped up for quite a bit, making it a long-lasting solution to your USB cord woes.

Bluetooth Headset
How often do you find yourself sick and tired of holding a phone to your face while trying to get work done? In cases like this (particularly long meetings with no end in sight), a Bluetooth headset for your smartphone can come in real handy. All you have to do is tether the device to your smartphone, pop it in your ear, and voila–you have a hands-free way of talking on the phone while getting to your work.

Other Bluetooth Technology
Basically, anything that uses Bluetooth technology is great for your smartphone, as it allows you to wirelessly tether devices to it. For example, you could use a wireless keyboard when you need to write a document or email. If you want to listen to music, you could hook up a pair of Bluetooth headphones so as not to bother others who might be in the vicinity.

What are some other great accessories that you can use for your mobile device while out and about? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and subscribe to our blog for more great tips and tricks.