With the continued rise in smartphone adoption, you need to consider security concerns. Smartphones are like mini computers. They have the ability to store data that can be accessed via email, a cloud-based web application, or some form of internal or external memory storage.

Smartphones are valuable and you need to consider what would happen if your mobile device fell into the wrong hands. Here are five tips on how to protect your smartphone

Tip 1: Use password protection

It’s easy to set up password protection on your phone. Most likely it is in the security settings of your phone. If you can’t find the option, check online or your phone’s manual to see how to enable it. Most people password protect their computer, but don’t feel the need to use a mobile device; however, this is the first safety step you should take.

Tip 2: Delete phone data remotely

After you have secured your mobile phone with a password or passcode, you may want to further protect the data stored on your phone with remote wipe. Remote wipe will erase your phone data and restore all factory settings. This is not something you would like to do unless you are sure you have lost your phone.

To set up remote wipe if you have an iPhone, you will need to sign up for a paid account with MobileMe. Then you need to configure your phone to enable wipe in case you need it. Android phones running 2.2 have remote wipe built in, but you’ll also need Exchange. Because remote wipe with Exchange can only be done by an Exchange administrator, a better option would be to use the Mobile Defense app. It is a free Android Marketplace application that will allow you to delete from the Mobile Defense website.

If your phones use Windows 7 phones, they can be erased remotely using Outlook Web Access.

Tip 3: Do not keep confidential data

If you use your phone to access your internet banking or log in to all your favorite sites, do not set your smartphone to automatically remember passwords. If your phone is lost or someone else picks it up, your account can be easily accessed.

Many people have their home address and address stored on their phone, this information could be used fraudulently if your phone is lost or stolen. However, using a password or remote wipe tools, as described above, you can prevent your data from being leaked.

Tip 4: Watch what you click

Smartphones, like computers, can be affected by malware, computer viruses, and phishing scams. If you receive a suspicious email or SMS, do not click on any links, as you would on your computer. Phishing scams can be used to steal your passwords and important information and are often very cleverly disguised as being from your bank.

Tip 5: Be careful what you install

If you download or install a new app, make sure it’s from a trusted source. The advantage of smartphones is that there are thousands of applications and games available to extend their functionality. Use only official app stores; otherwise, you may find some malicious code injected into your application that will transmit a virus to your phone.