We're back today with Tim and Brandt to get more information about how to protect your hardware and data, this time looking at your mobile devices.

5 Best Practices for Keeping Your Mobile Devices Secure

1. Install protection software such as AVG (Android) or Avast (Android | iPhone+iPad).

2. Not to sound like a broken record, but back up your device. Make regular backups of your iPhone and iPad using iTunes/iCloud. Make regular backups of your Android device using the built in 'Backup and Reset' feature for contacts and passwords, and Dropbox, Google+, and Microsoft OneDrive for photos. You can also backup your entire Android device with Helium, MyBackup Pro, or manually by connecting to your computer. Mac users will need the Android File Transfer Tool.

3. Only download apps from the Google Play store (Android) and App Store (iPhone). These sources are kept secure by reviewing submitted apps and scanning existing apps for malicious code that can compromise your mobile device and data. Third-party app providers are rampant with pirated apps, as well as malicious code, just waiting for an unsuspecting user to download an app and infect their device, granting access or stealing your confidential and personal data.

4. Use encrypted text messaging, callin,g and video calling over wi-fi and mobile data. The WhatsApp Messenger (Android | iPhone) utilizes end-to-end encryption to secure your messages and calls. Many messaging apps only encrypt messages between you and them, but WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption ensures only you and the person you're communicating with can read what is sent, not even WhatsApp.

5. Avoid robocalls and scammers. While not everyone has the luxury of ignoring calls, it's best to not answer phone calls from numbers you don't recognize. While it may seem like a harmless annoyance, once you answer these calls — even if you just hang up, you've already confirmed to the calling party that your number is active and the frequency of these calls will only increase. Here's how to block a number based on the device you're using:

• Many Android devices have the ability to block numbers, but not all. It may be as simple as long pressing the number in your call history and choosing 'block contact.' Some Android devices have a more in-depth method that requires adding the offending phone number to your contacts list to then block.
• For iPhone, simply go to your list of recent callers (open the Phone app, then hit the 'recents' tab at the bottom). Click the 'i' symbol next to the unwanted number, scroll down and tap 'block this caller,' then confirm your decision. You won't be bothered with any calls, texts or FaceTime calls from that number.

Want more info on cybersecurity for your electronic devices? Use your free CLE hours - sponsored by ISBA Mutual - to take the following CLE programs, available in our Online CLE Library:

• Security: Protecting Your Digital Assets
• Security Is Only as Good as the Weakest Link; Simple Security Measures Every Lawyer Should Take
• Security in Your Practice: Mobile Devices, Firewalls, Using the Cloud

Tomorrow we'll meet you back here for the final challenge of D4S's Tech Week, covering best practices for creating and managing your passwords.