Protecting devices against threats

Mobile devices can be vulnerable - find out what puts them at risk and how to protect them

Learning Intentions

• Explore how well protected our phones already are

• Find out what more we might have to do to keep them safe

Success Criteria

• Report on my phone's existing protection at the moment

• Write an action plan to protect my phone

Built in Protection

Do we need to do anything more?

Manufacturers work hard to make our phones secure from threats. Whether they are really secure already depends on these things most of all:

• How new is it (is the manufacturer still supporting it?)

• Is its operating system up-to-date?

• Are its apps up-to-date?

• Are any of its apps not from the usual sources?

My Phone Report - Part 1

Go to Google Classroom

We will use this useful tool from Which? Search for your phone and check whether your phone is still supported or not. If it is not, note when it stopped being supported.

If it is going to stop being supported soon, make a note of the date they provide.

Complete this information on your 'My Phone Report - Part 1' Google Doc then return here for the next part of the lesson.

Updating the Operating System

Why does this matter?

New risks are discovered every day in software! Software has thousands of lines of code - and it's written by humans; humans make mistakes.

• How outdated your operating system is determines how easily hacked it is

• The longer it is since it received updates, the more at risk it usually is

The latest version is 17.3.1 released on 8th February 2024. Usually this is how to check:

• Open the 'Settings' menu

• Choose 'General'.

• Tap 'About', where you can see the iOS version.

• Or, choose 'Software update' to see your iOS version, and check if there are any updates.

• Make a note of the system your phone has.

Apple

The latest version is 14.0 released on 4th October 2023. Usually this is how to check:

• Open the main 'Settings' menu.

• Look for 'About phone' or similar

• Then, 'Android version', followed by a number. If you're a Samsung user, click 'Software information' to see this entry.

• Make a note of the system your phone has.

Android

Checking the Operating System Software

Apps can come from other places ...

"I don't have to get them from Apple or Android..."

No, you're right, you can get apps from other places too. However, Google and Apple thoroughly test apps before they allow them into their stores. Established developers with good reputations are likely to be fine, but there are others and these bring the following risks:








If your phone is out of support, avoid things like free wallpapers, video or phone editors, file managers, games, QR readers or flashlights.

• Can be hiding malware

• Could be a 'lookalike' app - look exactly like the original but contain malware or spam you with advertising

My Phone Report - Part 2

Go to Google Classroom

1. Check your operating system.

2. Is it up-to-date?

3. Check whether your apps are all from usual stores.

4. If they are not, are they from reputable developers?

5. Are they up-to-date?

6. Complete Part 2 of your Phone Report