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Security tips for your Android deviceAndroid devices are prone to thousands of mobile malware and other security risks. The good news is that you don’t need advanced technological know-how to protect your Android phone or tablet from such threats. All it takes is tweaking your device settings and downloading the right protection software. You don’t have to purchase expensive software […]

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12 Mar, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021march12android_b, android, android phones, android security, android tablet security, mobile security, Security category
Security tips for your Android device

Android devices are prone to thousands of mobile malware and other security risks. The good news is that you don’t need advanced technological know-how to protect your Android phone or tablet from such threats. All it takes is tweaking your device settings and downloading the right protection software.

You don’t have to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device; most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free. Here are inexpensive ways to secure your Android devices.

Buy devices from vendors that release Android patches quickly

Beware of handset makers that don’t immediately release Android patches. If you subscribe to a vendor that delays the release of such patches, your device will be vulnerable for a longer time to security threats like bugs and will have a higher risk of getting compromised.

Always keep your apps updated

Apps release updates from time to time. These updates improve security, add new features, and/or remove outdated ones. To install updates as soon as they’re released, you can choose to update Android apps automatically by following these instructions:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Go to Menu > Settings.
  3. Tap Auto-update apps.

You can then select whether to update apps using Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Lock your device

Keeping your devices locked provides an extra layer of protection, as unlocking them requires entering a unique key such as a passcode or a pattern, or using your phone or tablet's facial recognition feature

The simplest way to lock your device is by using a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure that you use a hard-to-guess but easy-to-remember combination. If you have a newer Android device, you can use fingerprint or face recognition technology to better ensure that only authorized people can access your device.

Download apps only from the Google Play Store

Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your Android device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but their software can contain malicious codes. Sometimes, though, bogus apps make it to the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps to ensure their legitimacy.

Use Google Play Protect

Google Protect is a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Google Play Store and on your device. It also runs a safety check on any app from the Google Play Store before you download it.

Google Protect is turned on by default, but you can switch it off or on again by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android device and going to Menu > Settings > Scan apps with Play Protect.

Use on-device encryption

Every Android device running on Android 2.3 and above has an encryption feature that can render all your data unreadable to unauthorized entities until they provide the correct PIN or passcode. Whatever Android version your device is running, you can generally find encryption settings by going to Settings > Personal > Security.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

When you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone will intercept your data. Using a VPN encrypts your information so that even if someone steals your data, it will be completely unreadable and useless to them. There are numerous free VPNs on the Google Play Store. Compare their rankings and reviews before choosing one.

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication (2FA)

Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account, which you can do using various methods, such as enabling 2FA. Just log in to your Google account, go to Security > 2-Step Verification > Get Started, then follow the succeeding prompts. You can choose to receive the verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice.

Keep an eye on your devices

Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Also, avoid using your device in areas with high crime rates to avoid attracting attention and getting robbed.

Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about your Android device, call us now. Our experts are here to help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Jailbreaking your iPad is a bad idea — here’s whyPeople have long criticized Apple software, particularly iOS, for being too rigid. Unlike Android OS, it doesn't give users a plethora of options for customization. Naturally, iOS device users resort to jailbreaking, which lets them fully customize their device by enabling the installation of third-party apps on it. But this “solution” is not without risks. […]

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10 Mar, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021march10apple_b, app store, apple, ios, iPad, iPhone, jailbreak, malware, Security, spyware category
Jailbreaking your iPad is a bad idea — here’s why

People have long criticized Apple software, particularly iOS, for being too rigid. Unlike Android OS, it doesn't give users a plethora of options for customization. Naturally, iOS device users resort to jailbreaking, which lets them fully customize their device by enabling the installation of third-party apps on it. But this “solution” is not without risks. Here’s why you should think twice before jailbreaking your iPad.

Security vulnerabilities

Jailbreaking removes security features designed to protect your iPad and the sensitive information it contains. So when you download and install third-party apps onto your jailbroken iPad, you may introduce malware, spyware, and viruses that can compromise your data’s security and slow down or damage your device.

Warranty issues

Although modifying your own device is perfectly legal, Apple has made it clear that jailbreaking is a violation of the iOS software license agreement. As such, any jailbroken Apple device will not be protected under their warranty service coverage. Apple may even deny service for your jailbroken iPad, so if something goes wrong with it, you’re basically on your own.

No iOS updates

Technically, you can install iOS updates onto your jailbroken iPad, but you’ll lose your jailbreak. This means you have to go through the entire jailbreaking process again and reinstall all apps and extensions. What’s more, if you decide to update your iOS, you may have to wait for an updated jailbreak version to become available, which could take days, weeks, or even months.

Device instability

Jailbreaking can cause your iPad to randomly reboot or malfunction. Also, because third-party apps can access features and protocols not available for apps designed or approved by Apple, you may find that your jailbroken iPad crashes more often or that certain apps don’t work smoothly.

Shortened battery life

The jailbreak in and of itself doesn’t affect your iPad’s battery life. Shortened battery life issues on jailbroken iPads may be caused by installed third-party apps and tweaks. Some of these, like lock screen widgets and live wallpapers, might be increasing background activity on your device and thus draining your battery faster.

Unreliable voice and data services

If you use jailbroken iPads, you may experience dropped calls and spotty data connections more frequently. This can be a major issue if you use your device for work, as unreliable voice and data services can hinder your communications with your colleagues and clients. Additionally, you may encounter some location data problems on your jailbroken device.

Now that Apple has added so many features to iOS, jailbreaking iPads is not as prevalent as it was in previous years. But if you're still considering jailbreaking your device, keep in mind that doing so puts your iPad and data at risk.

If you want to learn more about jailbreaking or need help with your Apple devices, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Secure your data in the cloudData breaches are a common occurrence in today’s business environment. While many businesses have turned to cloud applications for better productivity, scalability, and savings, some business owners worry that the cloud is more vulnerable to data breaches than an on-premises data center. The truth is that any computing environment is vulnerable if you don’t take […]

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02 Mar, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021march02security_b, cloud security, cloud security from data breach, data breach security, qs_3, Security, security from cloud data breach, Web & Cloud category
Secure your data in the cloud

Data breaches are a common occurrence in today’s business environment. While many businesses have turned to cloud applications for better productivity, scalability, and savings, some business owners worry that the cloud is more vulnerable to data breaches than an on-premises data center. The truth is that any computing environment is vulnerable if you don’t take steps to prevent a data security breach. Here are simple steps to protect your data in the cloud.

Know your cloud apps:

Get a comprehensive view of the specific threats that business apps pose. Ask questions like: Which ones render you more or less prone to a breach? Does an app encrypt data stored on the service? Does it separate your data from that of others to limit exposure when another tenant has a breach?

Migrate users to high-quality apps:

Cloud-switching costs are low, which means that you can always switch to another application that best suits your needs. Take the time to consult with your vendor before switching to another app to make sure the new app is secure and compatible with your systems. Now more than ever, you have choices.

Find out where your data is going:

Take a look at your data in the cloud. Review uploads, downloads, and data at rest in apps to determine whether you have potential personally identifiable information (PII), or whether you simply have unencrypted confidential data. If you do have PII stored in the cloud, you need to make sure there are additional layers of security measures in place such as encryption. This is to avoid violating compliance regulations and paying hefty fines.

Look at user activities:

It’s important to understand not only what apps you use but also how these apps use your data. Determine what apps employees are using to share content and whether such apps have a sharing functionality. Knowing who’s sharing what and with whom will help you understand what policies to best employ.

Mitigate risk through granular policy:

Start with your business-critical apps and enforce policies that matter to your organization in the context of a breach. For example, block the upload of information covered by certain privacy acts, block the download of PII from HR apps, or temporarily block access to vulnerable apps.


The key to preventing a data security breach in the cloud lies in careful attention to your cloud applications and user activity. Analyzing your apps and looking into user activities might be time-consuming, but minimizing cloud and data security breaches makes this task worthwhile. Looking to learn more about today’s security? Contact us and let us manage and minimize your risks.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Boost your cybersecurity with security auditsAre your organization’s cyber defenses enough to protect it from a cyberattack? Unfortunately, just incorporating the latest antimalware software or firewall to your system won't guarantee your company's safety. Conducting a security audit will give you a complete picture of your company’s data integrity, giving you a greater chance of successfully meeting your cybersecurity goals. […]

The post Boost your cybersecurity with security audits appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

22 Feb, 2021 / by Complete Technology Resources / in 2021february22security_b, Security, security audits, security plans, security strategies category
Boost your cybersecurity with security audits

Are your organization’s cyber defenses enough to protect it from a cyberattack? Unfortunately, just incorporating the latest antimalware software or firewall to your system won't guarantee your company's safety. Conducting a security audit will give you a complete picture of your company’s data integrity, giving you a greater chance of successfully meeting your cybersecurity goals.

Auditing and the security strategy

Audits are necessary to ensure and maintain system quality and integrity. These system checks help identify security gaps and assure business stakeholders that your company is doing everything in its power to protect its data.

An audit is usually made up of three phases: assess, assign, and audit. Having a methodical way of auditing helps you avoid missing important details. It is also crucial that each stage is treated with the same level of importance to ensure thorough and comprehensive outcomes.

During the assessment phase, have your IT partner look at the security system you have in place. All of your business computers and servers, as well as every program and every user, need to be checked. The assessment should give you an overview of how secure your business currently is, along with any weak points that need to be addressed.

After the assessment, you need to implement the appropriate solutions and partner with the right providers. Ask your IT provider about solutions they can provide for each of your network/system gaps. And for issues that they can’t handle (perhaps because certain machines and software are highly specialized), ask your IT provider for their recommended list of partners.

Finally, conclude your audit cycle with an “audit,” which is one last look-around before releasing the system back into the wild. Make sure that installations, patches, and upgrades are integrated properly and working seamlessly. For future reference, take down notes just in case you need information about software and hardware improvements done during this audit cycle.

What exactly should be audited?

When conducting an audit, there are three factors you should focus on:

The state of your security
Security — especially digital security — is never at an impasse, and it is always in flux. That's because cybercriminals are always concocting new malware attacks and threats to infiltrate company networks. And that’s not even accounting for cyberattacks that exploit human error like phishing and other social engineering attacks. This means that system security has shorter and shorter expiration dates nowadays, making audits all the more crucial to implementing your security strategy.

The changes made
The key to having long-term data integrity is a continuity plan, and not just one that addresses severe business disruptions such as those caused by calamity or disaster. A true continuity plan tries to address every conceivable risk realistically, especially those that can trip up business operations, such as cyberattacks. This can only be possible if you know what kind of hardware and software comprise your system, as well as their respective updates and improvements.

Who has access to what
Data systems should allow administrators some control over who sees what. Total accessibility is a very dangerous prospect, especially since business nowadays is increasingly hinged on internet presence. An audit will let you check on user access so that you can make necessary adjustments to protect your data.

If you are looking for help in developing a security strategy for your business, contact us today to see how our managed solutions can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Boost your cybersecurity with security audits appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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