10 Basic Security Steps for Smartphones and Tablets

My previous blog listed the 5 main Mobile security threats for 2013. In this blog I will provide you with 10 basic steps to assure your (new) smartphone or tablets meets the minimum security features. Some of these seem so simple and obvious, that I never paid attention them, makes sense right?! Some of the steps are human behaviour others relate to generic technical knowledge. 

1. Secure it: 

Many of us still don’t secure our devices, by not using a PIN or passcode. Simple, effective and at least it protects you from anyone who gets hold of it to access and use it. 

2. Create a Back Up:

Whether you lose your phone or it gets stolen we all know that it feels like you lost the most important thing in your life. It happened to me in Moscow. I had no backups and felt completely lost! Create a back up!

3. Note Your IMEI: 

IMEI is your unique 15-digit number that identifies your phone. You can find it beneath the battery or alongside a SIM card slot. The number provides Law Enforcement Agencies and sites like EBay.com a way to identify your phone (if it is put up for sale in an auction or brought into a Police station). The number will confirm your ownership! Note it down and store it somewhere safe too you!

4. Security software (Anti-Vius): 

We all know and most of us use Anti-Virus. Additionally such packages offer features like device tracking, remote lock and wipe, anti-phishing protection. Interested? CLICKHERE to go to the 2013 Top 10 Mobile Security Software review. Money well spend!! 

5. Tracking: 

Accurate to a number of metres, modern tracking software is included in the best mobile security offerings, but is also built in to certain mobile platforms. Windows Phone's 'Find My Phone' and iOS' 'Find My iPhone' options should always be activated on devices. It uses tracking software using the phone's built-in data connection. CLICK HERE for the TOP 10 TRACKING Mobile Software. Get Familiar with your phones' capabilities! 

6. Verify Your Monthly Phone Bill: 

Make sure you verify your monthly statement, due to certain malware (read my previous blog) that will make use of your device. If you spot it any strange amounts on your statement immediately contact you service provider. It might take you a bit of time, but will save you money!

7. Smart Surfing: 

The most secure data connection you should use on a Mobile Device is provided by your Mobile Provider. Free WIFI-Hot Spots are pose an increased security risk, best is verify if the WIFI-Hotspot provides a secure channel. Be Aware but not affraid!

8. Be Aware of specific threats: 

Especially Andriod operated systems will be targeted in 2013 (as described in my previous blog, boy it gets boring), but if you own a mobile device operating on Windows or Apple's IOS the security risks are more or less the same as with an Android operated Mobile Device!!! Try to follow the latest developments for instance on twitter or via newsletters from your security or mobile provider!

9. Check BYOD Policies

If you use your device at work, over a company network, or for anything related to work, be sure to ask your IT department for any mobile use policies. It might be that your employer requires some control of the work data you have on your device, or may ask you to abide by certain practices. BYOD is basically a two-way relationship: it provides the employee and increased flexibility and mobility which benefits the employer. Verify how it impacts you as a user and how it impacts your employer or employees!

10. Treat your mobile device like you wallet, mind it carefully!

 Don't leave your device unattended whilst going to the bathroom or chatting to somebody at a conference! 

The 10 basic security steps for a new (or already operating) Mobile Device are shockingly easy, but how many of the above boxes can you tick as "Done"?

Link to this post: http://mcommerce-explorer.blogspot.com/2013/03/10-basic-security-steps-for-smartphones.html#links

First Lessons Learned Part II

Hoping you enjoyed my blog yesterday as it was one of an informative nature. Last night I continued to fiddle and play with some of the new "Gadgets" (SEO/Ad Sense/Key Word etc) and dammit it becomes interesting ! Ha! Did you know in 2012 the most popular Search Term in Poland (by men) was for "Hair Grow Products"?  Did you? Be honesty you didn't know that! Neither did I.

The next step is to find out what websites are available in that area for your selected region and before you know it you start to be better informed. Additionally Google PageRank Checker is a pretty convenient tool to discover the strength of a website, in terms of traffic etc (honestly I don't know what to add now as I am sometimes still confused.) the lower the ranking is (9 being highest and 0 being lowest) the more chance there is that you stumbled on a niche, or a product that really reaches a small audience. That is something I'll need to balance; my enthusiasm and the story the data tells.

Anyways as usual I get my hands on something and in general there always seems to be a catch 22 or something that frustrates me. In general they all have one thing in common; THEY CENTER AROUND REGISTRATION! After having to contact the customer services of Ebay.com, Paypal, Allegro, PayU regarding activation of my accounts or addenda I requested it all got sorted quickly and without causing me to explode, which is credit to them. Last night I got so happy about this blog I decided to buy a domain name for my blog at a minor cost of $10,00 for 1 year. Sounds good? Bet ye arse it does! I only had to activate my Google Wallet; after signing in with my mail account only had to add my Credit Card details, browsed through the menu - GOD Google provides on occasion a proper customer experience- selected my domain name (.com) and proceeded through the check out. What da Fook!??? Is see my details appear for about 1 sec, followed by a white screen.. After refreshing the browser (Chrome) and re-entering the entire cycle over I became disillusioned and wrote an email to Google's CS. I am still waiting for a response. Not what I expected by I am learning every day! It is probably not the best commercial for Google, but Paypallseems to have a smoother running show, having said so Google seems to put its money on the future; mobile wallets, a good business choice. In the main time I am still without my domain name

Additionally I noticed that the internet has created some professions with rather sexy job titles:
- Profit Engineer 
- Social Media Mercenary
- Virtual Assistants
I probably will bump into more creatively chosen job descriptions but it remains interesting to see that part of  traditional job titles being revamped, reinvented or those jobs are actually a result of evolution!

My parting shot today is called "HOW TO GET THE WRONG KIND OF ATTENTION ON EBAY" At first I did not notice it :)

Keep on reading me and keep on subscribing (nobody has I believe, but you can always be the first one)

Activating an account to Sell online.. it took more than I'd expected

In my previous blog I vented my frustration regarding Ebay.com's activation of a sellers account.
Well I have to be honest 24hrs can, and in this case, makes a difference.

I contacted the CS of Ebay.com via the chat window and within 4 minutes the issues was solved.
The Customer Service rep simply transferred my profile from the US (.com) to the country I reside (.x)
My listing etc was swiftly executed after that.
The problem itself; listing as a non US based resident on Ebay.com will probably cause a few new subscribers a bit of good old fashion tantrums, all in the game I suppose. Still better to register on the local domains of ebay (co.uk/.de etc) to avoid all that

Something that surprised me but made sense is that before you activate your account a cross boarder agreement (relating to Tax/Excise and Customs Duty) will be presented to confirm and agree too, if you decline I have no clue what happens!

A couple of things you should be spending a bit of time on when selling or buying at sites like Ebay.com:
- Go over the commission Ebay charges you for selling
- Shipping conditions and other charges might and in most cases will impact significantly
- Ebay.com will present you with the accepted payment conditions and which services you prepared to  accept. Be secure in how you handle your cashflow! Protect your data and identity, Paypal is the most widely accepted.

If you purchase from outside the EU, be sure you check your local Customs Website whether or not excise or import charges will be levered by Local Customs. The same goes for a sold good; for instance in California a Sales Tax is being levied which you should make clear to your buyer that he/she is responsible for that one.
I also checked the option of becoming a Sole Trader with local Tax Services, more as a future option then something permanent.

Next time hopefully a less boring and less logical post

Enthusiastic and starting

In my last post I just provided an introduction as to what drove me to the internet. Just to put things into perspective; I started using ebay.com and others on the 16th of December 2012.. so not even a month ago.

My enthusiasm is slowly becoming obsessive; after buying and receiving my Manga stuff in good order. I decided to leave positive feedback with the seller. I saw a little tab that would direct me to his online shop and decided to have a look. Maybe a good deal on paper or colored pens. Much to my surprise the seller was offering Electronics, Baby Clothes, Phones and huge volumes bulk goods. Not really the specialized Manga store I'd hope for.

The next week I spend the nights after my wife is asleep browsing sites, trying to get a grip or handle what is available out there. One hint to you: Everything is available! From Lear Jets to little plastic soldiers you can find anything...

And that is exactly the point; buying something is relatively easy if you are looking for something specific and you know what you want in term of quality and price.

I decided to sell an watch I bought 6 years ago in a shop. I went into my account clicked the Sell button, created a complete profile of the product including pictures and description.
Since it is my first offering Ebay informs about the terms ect ect. Shipping conditions are causing me a headache, but ok, selling one article cant bankrupt you but you can't ignore it either, neither it turns out can you ignore the fact that you have to activate your sales account on ebay.com....

That is where my enthusiasm turned into sheer frustration! As it turns out, if you register on ebay.com you have to provide a Proof of Identity (POI) if you are not a US Citizen or based in the US I was told. Ok no problem; the customer service was professional and swift, provided me with a... FAX number!? What the F! a Fax??? Oh most be a mistake, so I requested an email address so I could scan all over to Ebay. This is apparently not possible. So I tried Paypal, which needs to be activated as well. I will receive a code on my bankstatement within 48 hrs... nice but I am still waiting for that one.

So I am still enthusiastic but that verification process if you want to sell something is needed from a business perspective, but I can drive you up the wall. I tried online fax services like Pamfax all of those failed to deliver my faxes.
Anyways currently I am researching a bundle of options and opportunities and will update you in my next blog!

Leave some comments or tips if you read this!