The bring your own device (BYOD) trend has mobilized offices around the world, and even at the Department of Defense, the amounts of sensitive information being stolen have reached alarming levels. Since tablets and smartphones lack the IT infrastructure that protects computers running on a server, they don’t have the firewalls, access controls or malware protection to prevent data theft.

As large enterprises and the government work on ways to protect their valuable information, it leaves the general population at a loss if they are unable to hire a mobile solutions company to protect them. So, what should they do?

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For mobile users thatare traveling and using airport or hotel Wi-Fi networks, Experian, a provider of fraud resolution solutions, has revealed six tips on its ProtectMyID educational website to increase mobility protection. They are:

• Get your own portable router: Consider a portable router to create a personal Wi-Fi hotspot for your or your family’s devices. You’ll need a local SIM data card, which is available at most electronic stores or even airport kiosks, designed to help users avoid using public Wi-Fi Spots.
• Don't welcome hackers: If a public Wi-Fi is the only option, be very cautious of using unsecured networks. According to a 2012 Norton Cybercrime report, more than two-thirds of online adults globally use a free or unsecured Wi-Fi network, giving hackers easy access to the networks. This will allow them access to your login details and any credit card information you may type in.
• Be wary of social media: Checking in or posting pictures while you’re away can alert someone that your home is vacant! Make sure to set your home alarm, hire a house-sitter or maybe the best option is to delay posts until you are back home. If a mobile user is going to share photos while you are on vacation, they must make sure their privacy settings are on. While using a social media account, users must also be sure the highest security settings possible are active to ensure your information, posts and photos aren’t being leaked onto the Internet.
• Make sure the website is legitimate: Before logging onto a website from your mobile device, make sure the URLs are legit. To be on the safe side, it is suggested to bookmark your favorite sites after you type in the address.
• Use strong passwords: The safest password has a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation to make your passwords harder to crack.
• Protect your mobile devices: Losing a mobile phone, a thumb drive or laptop can be just as bad as losing your wallet. To prepare for this type of loss users must to protect their mobile devices with passwords and encryption.

According to Becky Frost, senior manager of consumer education at Experian’s ProtectMyID, most users forget to be smart about protecting their identities on smartphones or other mobile devices, especially during vacation time.

 “Luckily, there are steps people can take to protect themselves, like password-protecting all devices, making sure security software is up to date, and limiting activities, like checking a bank account, while using public Wi-Fi networks,” Frost said.

For more information about mobile device management strategies, visit MobileIron.