How to Secure Your Mobile Device for Work

Why Mobile Security Matters

Your phone likely has access to work emails, documents, and sensitive information. If it is lost, stolen, or compromised, criminals could access your company data. Here is how to keep it secure.

Essential Security Settings

Set a Strong Screen Lock

Your first line of defence is a good lock screen:

Best options:

• Fingerprint or Face ID (most convenient and secure)
• 6-digit PIN (better than 4-digit)
• Complex password (most secure but less convenient)

Avoid:

• Simple patterns (easy to observe)
• 4-digit PINs like 1234 or 0000
• No lock at all

To set up:

iPhone:

• Settings → Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode)
• Turn on Face ID or Touch ID
• Set a 6-digit passcode as backup

Android:

• Settings → Security → Screen lock
• Choose Fingerprint or PIN
• Set up biometrics if available

Enable Auto-Lock

Your phone should lock automatically when not in use:

Recommended: Lock after 30 seconds to 1 minute

iPhone:

• Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock
• Select 30 seconds or 1 minute

Android:

• Settings → Security → Screen lock → Auto-lock
• Select 30 seconds or 1 minute

Enable Find My Phone

If your device is lost or stolen, you can locate, lock, or erase it:

iPhone:

• Settings → [Your Name] → Find My
• Turn on Find My iPhone
• Enable "Send Last Location"

Android:

• Settings → Security → Find My Device
• Turn it on
• Ensure location is enabled

Enable Remote Wipe

This lets IT erase your device if it is lost:

iPhone:

• Automatically available with Find My iPhone

Android:

• Automatically available with Find My Device

For work devices:

• Your IT administrator may have already configured this through mobile device management

Keep Software Updated

Updates include security patches:

iPhone:

• Settings → General → Software Update
• Enable Automatic Updates

Android:

• Settings → System → System update
• Check for updates regularly

Protect Your Data

Use Encrypted Connections

• Only connect to trusted WiFi networks
• Avoid public WiFi for work tasks
• Use your mobile data for sensitive work if needed
• Use a VPN if your company provides one

Be Careful with Apps

• Only install apps from official app stores
• Check app permissions before installing
• Remove apps you no longer use
• Be suspicious of apps asking for excessive permissions

Secure Your Email

If using work email on your phone:

• Use the official Outlook or Gmail app
• Enable biometric authentication within the app
• Do not save work passwords in browsers

Protect Work Documents

• Do not download sensitive documents unless necessary
• Delete work files when no longer needed
• Use your company's approved apps for documents
• Avoid storing passwords in notes apps

Physical Security

Never Leave Your Phone Unattended

• Keep it with you or locked away
• Do not leave it on tables in cafes
• Be aware of your surroundings when using it

Be Careful When Travelling

• Keep your phone in a secure pocket or bag
• Be extra cautious in crowded places
• Consider using a privacy screen protector

Do Not Lend Your Unlocked Phone

• If someone needs to make a call, dial for them
• Do not let strangers "quickly check something"
• Scammers can install malware in seconds

What to Do If Your Phone Is Lost or Stolen

Immediate Steps

• Try to locate it using Find My iPhone or Find My Device
• If you cannot recover it, remotely lock or erase it
• Contact IT immediately at helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or 1300 521 162
• Change passwords for any accounts accessed on that device

What IT Will Do

• Help secure work accounts
• Remotely wipe company data if needed
• Ensure no unauthorised access occurred
• Assist with setting up a new device

Work Phone vs Personal Phone

If you use a personal phone for work:

• Consider separate work profiles (available on Android)
• Keep work and personal apps separate where possible
• Remember that work data on your phone may be managed by IT
• Understand your company's mobile device policy

Need Help?

For mobile security questions or to report a lost or stolen device, contact helpdesk@netlumait.com.au or call 1300 521 162.