We all lose our devices. Personally I've lost countless mobile phones, but before I call my insurance company I call my IT department to disable the handset and wipe all the information from it. The information on my mobile phone is worth infinitely more than the price of the handset and I can't afford to let it get into the wrong hands.

To ensure that you're in the mobile know-how, here are my tips on how to keep your devices safe:

1. Keep devices close at all times

Ensure you keep your phone in a safe pocket and your laptop is never far from reach when you are travelling. You may also want to differentiate your phone with a case so you can recognise it from others.

2. Free Wi-Fi warning!

It is essential to keep your business information safe when your employees are accessing wireless networks while out of the office. Educate them on the dangers of Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, cafes, and the like, as they can be a breeding ground for malware.

3. Save smartly

Don't save security PIN numbers or banking information on mobile phones or the desktop of your laptop. If your device is lost or stolen you need to ensure that there isn't readily available information that can used to establish and exploit your identity.

4. Take the right precautions

Ensure your mobile device is equipped with security safeguards. In the unfortunate case that you leave your device somewhere by mistake be sure that it is both password protected and encrypted.

5. Speed is of the essence

Act quickly if you realise that your device has been lost. Many software applications allow you to remotely wipe your smartphone to ensure that nobody will get their hands on your businesses' information, so call your IT manager immediately so they can remotely disable it. If you don't have the luxury of an IT department, call your service provider and they will be able to do the same.

With credit to http://www.entrepreneurcountry.net/

By David Hague

David is the owner and publisher of AusCam Online. He has a background in media dating back to 1979 when he first got involved with photojournalism in motorsport, and went from there into technology via a 5 year stint with Tandy Computers. Following that, he ran a software distribution company on the Gold Coast and was one of the first to recognise the potential of Microsoft Windows.

Moving back to WA, David wrote scripts for Computer Television for video training for the just released Windows and Office 95 among others, and was then lured to Sydney to create web sites for the newly commercial Internet in 1995, building hundreds of sites under contract to OzEmail including Coates Hire, Hertz Queensland, John Williamson, the NSW Board of Studies and many, many more.

He went back into full time journalism as the Managing Editor for Channel 7's 'Gadget Guy', Peter Blasina's publications VideoCamera and Pixelmag, before starting Australasian Camcorder magazine when these publications were shelved. He lives at Sydney's Avalon Beaches nearly on the ocean front with dog Budweiser and in his spare time is a nut for motor sport, road safety, fishing, science fiction - especially Dr Who - and technology.

David can be contacted via david@auscamonline.com