{"id":253,"date":"2019-04-08T11:09:21","date_gmt":"2019-04-08T11:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/technologies\/security\/?page_id=253"},"modified":"2025-07-23T08:47:53","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T07:47:53","slug":"security-advice-for-mobile-device-users","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/solutions-and-impact\/technologies\/security\/security-advice-for-mobile-device-users\/","title":{"rendered":"Security Advice for Mobile Device Users"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mobile phone security advice<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

We provide mobile device users with simple, easy to follow advice to help minimise risk in the event of device theft, spam and malware<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Smartphones and tablets now store as much sensitive information as desktop computers \u2013 but because we carry them everywhere, they face greater risk from theft, loss, and online threats. While using a mobile device is generally safe and straightforward, it\u2019s important to take precautions. Our mobile phone security advice pages provide practical, straightforward guidance to help people reduce risks they may face \u2013 whether that\u2019s preventing and responding to theft, blocking spam, or protecting against malware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Core topics in mobile phone security advice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These pages provide detailed guidance on key areas of mobile security. Each section includes straightforward advice to help you stay protected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Preventing mobile device theft<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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How to secure your phone physically, use tracking tools, and minimise your exposure in public<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Spam and mobile devices<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Understanding unsolicited calls and texts, and how to report or block suspicious content<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Malware and mobile devices<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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How to avoid malicious apps and protect your phone from unwanted software or spyware<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Secure use of voicemail services
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Best practices to prevent voicemail hacking and keep your voice messages private<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Quick mobile phone security advice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mobile phone security advice: five quick tips to get started<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Five practical mobile phone safety tips that help keep both your device and your personal data secure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Switch on password protection
<\/strong>Make sure you have strong phone password security. Always use a strong PIN, password, or biometric lock (such as fingerprint or face recognition). Avoid predictable codes like \u20181234\u2019 or birth dates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Make sure lost or stolen devices can be tracked, locked or wiped
<\/strong>Enable tracking features such as Find My Device<\/em> (Android) or Find My iPhone<\/em> (Apple). These allow you to locate your device or erase its contents remotely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Keep your device up to date
<\/strong>Operating system updates often include vital security patches. Don\u2019t delay \u2014 install updates as soon as they\u2019re available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Keep your apps up to date
<\/strong>Out-of-date apps can contain vulnerabilities. Enable auto-updates where possible or check manually through your device\u2019s app store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Don\u2019t connect to unknown Wi-Fi hotspots
<\/strong>Unsecured public Wi-Fi networks can expose your data to interception. Use your mobile network or a trusted VPN instead.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Protect yourself from mobile phone theft<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Smartphones and tablets are valuable, portable, and frequently targeted by opportunistic thieves. Here’s how to reduce your risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n