[June 13, 2013] International SOS Provides Tips on Keeping Smart Devices Secure During the Summer Tweet Jun 13, 2013 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) -- International SOS, a medical and travel security risk services company, announced it is offering global travelers advice on how to stay safe and secure when traveling with mobile devices this summer. According to a release, smart devices are now widely viewed as a necessity for business travelers, tourists, and expatriates. They can help make travel more convenient and efficient, but using them can increase the chances of theft or physical assault. Alex Puig, International SOS's Regional Security Director for the Americas, said: "As mobile devices become more expensive, especially on the black market, we expect to see them more frequently targeted by thieves, especially among tourists, during summer travel." "It's extremely important that travelers do not let their guard down and ignore their immediate surroundings, while negotiating a deal on the phone or texting a client. Not paying attention opens you up to a robbery or assault. And never, ever, talk without a hands-free device or text while driving, especially in an unfamiliar country. That is a recipe for disaster." Ahead of the busy summer travel season, International SOS offers the following tips for travelers: -Always remain aware of your surroundings while using your mobile device in public - and ensure your valuables are adequately secured. It can be easy for a thief to simply grab your luggage or laptop bag and run, if you are not alert. It can also lead to assault or express kidnapping. -Keep mobile devices hidden when not in use - don't become an attractive target for thieves. -Don't place a phone on a table or bar so it can be close at hand - keep it in your pocket or purse. -Ensure all mobile devices are password protected, making it difficult for thieves to gain access if stolen. Passwords should be easy for you to remember, but hard for a thief to crack. -Make sure that all mobile devices are equipped with the "Find My Phone App." This can help authorities track down a stolen device. -There are ways for the locked screen to display a phone number and a message to "please call if found." There are many honest people out there who will return a lost device. -Be careful of open Wi-Fi hotspots and networks. Do not pass sensitive information through public Wi-Fi hotspots, as this information may not be secure. Also, be sure your phone, laptop and tablet have the latest operating systems, as updated software has patches for many known issues. International SOS is a medical & security risk services company operating from over 700 sites in 76 countries with 10,000 employees, led by 1,200 physicians and 200 security specialists. More information: www.internationalsos.com ((Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected])) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]