Whether you’ve got tickets for the upcoming quarterfinals at City or are expecting to support Liverpool F.C. at any other away game, the one thing you should be aware of is that your mobile data is no safer than your data at home or the office if you don’t keep it secure.
No matter what kind of mobile device you are on, you’ll surely want to Tweet the game, play by play, for friends and Reds fans back home, but the integrity of your data could be at risk. Here are some tips on mobile data security offered by Custard IT security specialists.
Devices Most at Risk
Whilst away at a game, any mobile device is at risk of being hacked, but the devices to be most careful of are those you use for both work and personal use. If you conduct business with your smartphone or tablet, make certain you have the latest security software and updates installed. Any sensitive information stored on your device could be breached by hackers, and in today’s tech-savvy environment, it’s easier to do than you think if you don’t have the highest levels of protection.
Phishing Scams to Beware Of
A few years back, there were some threats at the World Cup in Brazil because IT security specialists found at least fifty phishing domains designed to target fans travelling to the games. In fact, the threat was so real that some companies released videos on how to avoid those scams targeting fans at the World Cup. Just because you aren’t at a championship game, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be targeted. The best advice is to look for misspelled websites. Be very careful of any links you click on. Sometimes, the phishing site is just one letter off and close enough that if you don’t carefully look at the URL, you will end up at a site that can capture your private data in nanoseconds.
Mobile Malware Is on the Rise
Back home in the UK, Custard works with companies of all sizes to implement the highest level of security and all that effort could be wiped out in an instant if any of that data is accessible on company mobile devices at away games. It’s either leave your mobile devices at work while at away games or be aware of all the mobile malware that you can inadvertently download. For example, football mobile apps look harmless enough and many of them are even themed around your home team. Some of them belong to the family of Android.OpFake apps under the guise of being free. Then the user ends up getting charged for the app because the site accesses their personal banking or PayPal information.
Only Use Secure Wi-Fi
While you can find free Wi-Fi at most clubs around the world, be leery of connecting via just any free connection. Upon entering the grounds, ask what their Wi-Fi is and if there is a pin or password needed to access it. It’s understandable that you don’t want to get charged mobile data rates if you can connect for free, but at what cost is that ‘free’ connectivity?
So, Reds fans, enjoy all your away games and do Tweet the game away, but be careful how you connect and what you connect to. There’s every reason to believe Liverpool can take City at the upcoming finals, even if they have that slight disadvantage being away from home. Just don’t lose the hard-won victory through an unprotected mobile device.