USAA - Winter 2013 - (Page 9)

ILLUSTRATION BY BRIAN STAUFFER Out With the Old Device, And (Safely) in With the New If you're expecting to receive a new tablet or smartphone this holiday season, follow these six steps recommended by security specialists: » Back up your data. Save and transfer personal data via cloud storage from a secure network or to an external hard drive. » Erase your old device. Erase all data by restoring factory settings. Look for instructions in your owners manual or on the manufacturer's website. For phones with SIM cards, remove the card to prevent cellular network access, says Andrea Eldridge, CEO of tech repair service Nerds On Call. » Keep your device safe. Lock your 2 SAFETY SEATS Bring your gear to the dealer to help you evaluate which vehicles are the best ﬁts. usaa.com device with a passcode and change it regularly. Enable "ﬁnd your device" applications. Keep software updated and install anti-virus apps, which can let you remotely wipe all data from your device. Only download apps from approved vendors of the phone manufacturer through a reputable app store, says Robert Siciliano, CEO of idtheftsecurity.com. » Recycle. After removing data, consider selling or donating devices to a service like Cell Phones for Soldiers, a nonproﬁt that partners with Mindful eCycling to refurbish and resell new and used phones, and uses the proﬁts to provide free phone services to activeduty military members and veterans. 3 CARGO CAPACITY Check out vehicles that offer adequate rear-cargo room, as well as hidden storage compartments in the center console and under the front passenger seats. 4 » Join secure networks. Consumers can access the Internet through cellular networks or Wi-Fi. While Wi-Fi may be free, it may lack the encryption security of 3G and 4G networks. Turn off Wi-Fi when away from home, or join secure Wi-Fi networks that require a password. If your only choice is an open Wi-Fi network, avoid accessing personal or ﬁnancial information. » Review monthly statements. USAA security specialists recommend that users check statements closely each month. Cyberthieves using malicious mobile software can steal from you by buying apps with your hacked credit card data. This is a way to spot unauthorized activity. -MARK MCLAUGHLIN THIRD-ROW ACCESS Get to the way-way back without diving over the second row in an SUV that offers minivan-like access. 5 ENTERTAINMENT Many cars offer dual-screen rear entertainment systems that can play a movie on one screen and a video game on another. Bluetooth allows streaming tunes and audiobooks. WINTER 2013 USAA Magazine 9 http://www.idtheftsecurity.com http://www.usaa.com

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USAA - Winter 2013