How to Protect Your BlackBerry Data

The BlackBerry SmartPhone is being used by millions of users as a means of surfing the Internet, sending and receiving emails, and keeping in touch with contact lists. The increased use of mobile devices by millions of users means news ways for hackers and scammers to steal your data and spy on your actions. Therefore, taking the same security measures as you do for your PC is just as important for your BlackBerry.

BlackBerry SmartPhone Protection Tips

  • Enabling the Password Feature: To enable the password protection feature on a BlackBerry you must do so through the Options menu by clicking through the menu until you arrive at Security Options. Under Security Options you can set your password under the General Settings feature.

In addition to setting your password, the General Settings feature contains a host of other password protection options for securing your BlackBerry such as timeout duration, prompt on application install, and password attempts.

  • Bluetooth Protection: Bluetooth viruses are on the rise and attacks on the BlackBerry are no exception. To protect your BlackBerry from a Bluetooth virus attack, you should shut down the Bluetooth feature when not in use.

There are also steps you can take in the BlackBerry configuration under "Options" in the bluetooth setup feature. Under Options simply click to set "Discoverable" to "No." This feature makes sure that other users cannot locate your BlackBerry through a bluetooth device search.

  • Data Encryption: The BlackBerry configuration contains a "Content Protection" feature under the General Settings in Security Options. You simply enable the feature and then select the strength of security that you wish to implement. You can also protect your address book when you set the strength of the content protection.

  • User IDs and Passwords: BlackBerry provides a Password Keeper Utility for saving user ids and passwords. Make sure you use this feature instead of storing them in the Internet browser that is provided with your BlackBerry. If you use the security features provided with your phone, the data is secure. If you leave the data in your Internet browser it can be accessed from other locations.

  • Memory Cleaning: The Security Options feature allows you to clear the memory on your BlackBerry. This feature is useful for deleting any confidential data such as encrypted documents and messages. In addition, the memory cleaning feature allows you to clear your BlackBerry browser cache, delete unused applications such as pictures, media, phone call and event logs, and previous SMS messages. The memory cleaner is the equivalent of a paper shredder and will not only provide added protection but it will also keep your BlackBerry running efficiently.

  • Content Compression: The Content Compression feature complements the memory cleaning feature because it erases your data footprints. This not only increases the security of your BlackBerry but the compressed files keep it running efficiently as well.
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Identity theft comes in many forms.

A person\92s identity can be 'borrowed' for the purpose of creating fictional credit cards or a person\92s entire identity can be usurped to the point where they can have difficulty proving that they really are who they claim to be.

Up to 18% of identity theft victims take as long as four years to realize that their identity has been stolen.

There are many ways to protect your personal identity and many steps you can take to prevent your identity from being stolen:

*Never give out unnecessary personal information
*Never provide bank details or social security numbers over the Internet
*Always remain aware of who is standing behind you when you type in your personal credit codes at ATM machines and at supermarket checkout swipe machines.