AMCHAM Learns Top Tips for Smartphone Security

On Monday 6 May 2019, the American Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg (AMCHAM) held a lunchtime event on the topic of smartphone security with guest speaker Damien Schreurs at Cercle Munster in Luxembourg-Grund.

Following an introduction by AMCHAM Chairman Paul Schonenberg and a three-course meal, Damien Schreurs of EasyTECH Luxembourg presented an overview of why smartphone security is important and how smartphone users can protect their devices from the risk of data breaches and identity theft. 

Firstly, Damien Schreurs discussed the ways in which smartphones can be hacked, namely via physical access, close proximity and software and Cloud. He explained how, even when locked, most smartphones show important information, such as notifications, widgets and vocal assistants, adding that the “near field communication” (NFC) and Bluetooth functions on smartphones can allow access up to 100m from the device. Similarly, WiFi can allow access to important personal data.

Damien Schreurs went on to explain how jailbreaking (Apple) and rooting (Android) a smartphone can break down its in-built security and thus pose a risk to the device. Similarly, he emphasised the risk associated with downloading certificates or scripts outside of the official App Store and Play Store.

In terms of protecting our smartphones, Damien Schreurs recommended using a strong password (minimum ten to twelve characters including letters, numbers and special characters) and argued against using patterns as an unlocking mechanism, since there is only a finite number of combination possibilities. Instead, Schreurs advised that smartphone users take advantage of biometrics, specifically the fingerprint option on Apple devices and the facial recognition option of Android devices.

Regarding the lock screen, Damien Schreurs recommended setting the automatic lock time to maximum one minute of inactivity and removing as much information from the lock screen as possible, for instance notifications. He went on to explain the importance of regular backups, highlighting the Cloud as one of the best due to its automatic function, as well as the benefits of switching off NFC, Bluetooth and WiFi functions when they are not needed.

In addition, Damien Schreurs recommended caution when downloading apps, arguing that smartphone users should only use apps from trusted developers and should check their app permissions at least once a month. He mentioned examples of additional smartphone security, such as VPN apps and content blockers to block both ads and scripts which can pose a threat to the security of a device. Schreurs recommended the use of Opera, a third-party browser, or Firefox in addition to the UBlock add-in, rather than Google Chrome which often collects data.

Finally, Damien Schreurs emphasised the importance of using a two-factor authentication to better protect access to devices. He added that users should make use of the “find my device” function to locate their smartphone in the case that it is lost or stolen. This service can provide useful information for the police.

The AMCHAM smartphone security event ended with a Q&A and networking session. The next such lunchtime event is planned for June 2019 on the topic of digital transformation. Further details to follow.