Cybersecurity
Bluetooth Security
Just like Wi-Fi connections, Bluetooth can put your personal data at risk if you are not careful in public places. While it is better to use the eXciteOSA mobile app in a private environment, here are some steps you may wish to take when using Bluetooth within (10 m/30 ft) of strangers:
- Turn Bluetooth off when not in use. If you keep Bluetooth active, a hacker may be able to discover what other devices you connected to before, spoof one of those devices, and gain access to your device.
- Use Bluetooth in “hidden” mode rather than “discoverable” mode. This prevents other unknown devices from finding your Bluetooth connection.
Passwords
Weak passwords or password shortcuts can leave your personal data less secure. The following best practices may help keep your personal information safer:
Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts, especially for the most sensitive ones, such as bank accounts, credit cards, legal or tax records and files containing medical information. Otherwise, someone with access to one of your accounts may end up with access to many others.
Don’t use passwords that can be easily guessed, such as common words and birthdays of family members. Instead, use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols. The longer and stronger the password, the safer your information.
The eXciteOSA mobile app software seeks to enforce password strength by using the following requirements: Minimum password length of 8 characters, using at least one uppercase and lowercase character, at least one numeric character and at least one special character. This is the same password standard used for Windows 10 security.
Malware
- Never jailbreak your iPhone or root an Android device, because you leave it open to the malware it was designed to be protected against.
- Always install the latest OS updates for increased security. Android’s open source system and delayed update roll out make it more susceptible to malware, which is why Android users should always use an anti-virus from the Google Play Store as an added layer of protection.
- Only purchase and download apps from the Apple App Store, which has historically been a very secure platform for purchasing approved apps from vetted developers. Android users should always use the Google Play Store rather than other third party app shops.
- Avoid suspicious links, phishing and robocalls. Be suspicious of questionable downloads in an email from a friend, robocalls urging prompt action on a past due account, or any automated process asking you to update/verify your account or other personal information.
- Don’t fall prey to tricky pop-ups such as a virus warning asking you to scan for viruses or malware immediately. The links below describing how to avoid such scams and remove fake security alerts on your iPhone or Android.
Android: (https://malwaretips.com/blogs/remove-fake-google-security-warning).
