[FCC] – More than 20 million Americans will unwrap a new mobile device this holiday season, but most smartphone users admit they don’t know how to protect themselves from mobile security threats. With mobile cyber attacks increasing every year (threats increased 367% in 2011), it’s important that consumers stay protected against growing risks such as viruses, malicious apps, and mobile device theft.
To assist the more than 120 million American smartphone owners, today the FCC launched the Smartphone Security Checker, an online tool to arm consumers with security steps customized by mobile operating system. The tool is the result of a public-private partnership between government experts, smartphone developers, and private IT and security companies. Partners include DHS, NCSA, FTC, CTIA, Lookout, BlackBerry, Chertoff Group, Sophos, McAfee, Symantec, and others. The smartphone Security Checker is available at www.fcc.gov/smartphone-security.
FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said, “With less than half of smartphone owners using passwords to protect their devices, this new tool will be of particular value to millions of Americans. The holiday gift-giving season is a perfect time to remind consumers to take simple steps, like setting a password, to protect themselves from mobile security threats.”
To use the tool, a consumer first selects their mobile-OS (Apple iOS, Android, BlackBerry, or Windows) and then follows 10 customized steps and tips to help protect their device. The Smartphone Security Checker features best practices on how to set pins and passwords, where to find security apps, how to enable remote locating and data wiping, and how to backup and secure your data in case your device is lost or stolen. There is also information on how to safely use public Wi-Fi networks and what steps to take if your phone is stolen (hint: report it stolen by calling your mobile carrier and by notifying the police).
As the processing power and amount of sensitive data stored on smartphones increases, it’s important for consumers to treat mobile devices with the same precautions as computers. The FCC, working with government and the private sector, is committed to furthering the message of the national cybersecurity awareness campaign across all computing platforms.
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” (hint: report it stolen by calling your mobile carrier and by notifying the police)”
Uh…. the last thing the police wants to have to deal with, is a flood of people calling because they lost their $400 phone. Phone theft occur all the time and the police can’t and won’t do anything about it. They are usually concerned with theft of $5,000 or more.
Citing the uncertainty about the company ever mining in Soledad Canyon, state water officials have put the Cemex request for water on hold, according to a letter sent by state officials to State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, who had inquired about the company’s water application.
Recent California voter registration figures show that Republican congressional candidates vying to take back their seats from Democrats, including in the 25th Congressional District, might not be facing an easy feat.
At the start of every school year, teens from the SCV YMCA’s Youth and Government chapter gather to discuss current issues and this year’s top issue is ghost guns.
Seven prep volleyball players, one of whom was the league’s most valuable player, were named All-Heritage League selections at the conclusion of the 2019 season.
Tickets are now on sale for Santa Clarita Transit’s Holiday Light Tour of some of the city’s most festively decorated neighborhoods from Thursday, December 19 through Saturday, December 21.
Los Angeles County will only buy cars from automakers that comply with California’s clean air laws, joining the state’s boycott of companies like General Motors and Toyota that have sided with the Trump administration in the high-profile bout over emissions standards.
The Santa Clarita Valley Youth Orchestra will present a free concert by SCVYO's Guitar Orchestra in the Choir Room at Pico Canyon Hall, located on the College of the Canyons' Valencia campus, on Saturday, December 14 beginning at 7 p.m.
The Los Angeles County CEO’s office unveiled an interactive GIS mapping tool on Tuesday created to show the locations of the county's homeless population juxtaposed with the availability of existing and projected homeless housing resources.
The nonprofit Family Promise of the Santa Clarita Valley is seeking donations of supplies, toys, gift cards and more to be given to low-income and/or homeless families during a Holiday Shopping event at Valencia United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 14 from 9 a.m. to noon.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved College of the Canyons’ $31 million general obligation bond refund Tuesday, saving taxpayers $8.3 million over the next 23 years, according to COC.
The Rancho Camulos Museum invites local history fans and aficionados to experience a faithful reenactment of the January 23, 1882 visit by best-selling author Helen Hunt Jackson on Saturday, January 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Citing the uncertainty about the company ever mining in Soledad Canyon, state water officials have put the Cemex request for water on hold, according to a letter sent by state officials to State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, who had inquired about the company’s water application.
Recent California voter registration figures show that Republican congressional candidates vying to take back their seats from Democrats, including in the 25th Congressional District, might not be facing an easy feat.
At the start of every school year, teens from the SCV YMCA’s Youth and Government chapter gather to discuss current issues and this year’s top issue is ghost guns.
Handed a bill to pay more than $25 million in missed annual payments over the last two decades, Cemex now has three options, according to the Bureau of Land Management, which issued the bill Friday.
The Cougars shot better than 50 percent from the field and had four starters score in double figures to defeat visiting West Hills Coalinga College 93-71 on Saturday night at the MacArthur Center.
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies arrested a woman who was allegedly recognized by loss-prevention staff on suspicion of possible prior thefts at the Walmart on The Old Road in Stevenson Ranch, officials said Tuesday.
California State University, Northridge chemistry professor Gagik Melikyan has been elected as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow – a recognition given to AAAS members who contribute to the advancement of science and technology.
Hart High School alumnus Derek Waldeck felt a little extra motivation entering his fourth year as a midfielder for the Stanford University men’s soccer team. Not only because it would be his final collegiate season playing for the team, but because of how the previous campaign ended.
FT. LAUDERDALE – Princess Cruises, the world’s fastest growing international premium cruise line, recently christened its newest ship, Sky Princess in a moving tribute to the pioneering women of the U.S. Space Program who represent crowning achievements in science, research and technology through innovation and their desire to explore the far reaches of the sky.
Major Impact Theater (MIT) will host its third annual Cupid’s Crush dinner/dance fundraiser. The event benefits MIT, a nonprofit organization that provides theater production opportunities for adults with disabilities.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Vermyttya Miller, 37, of Santa Clarita, was sentenced to five years in county jail and ordered to pay $22,500 in restitution after pleading no contest to one count of felony insurance fraud for a wedding fraud scheme she concocted to rip off The Knot—not once but twice.
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REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.
1 Comment
” (hint: report it stolen by calling your mobile carrier and by notifying the police)”
Uh…. the last thing the police wants to have to deal with, is a flood of people calling because they lost their $400 phone. Phone theft occur all the time and the police can’t and won’t do anything about it. They are usually concerned with theft of $5,000 or more.