Knowledge Center
CISO Perspective: Tips to Secure Your Devices
keeping-my-information-safe | Read Time: 3 minutes
By Robert Eastwood | Published: June 2022

Have you ever lost your smartphone or tablet, or maybe even your laptop? Have any of them ever been stolen?
It’s certainly not a good feeling. The number of mobile devices lost or stolen each year is in the millions.
Sure, it's easy enough to get a replacement. Sure, they can be expensive to replace, but have you ever thought about the true value that device is worth?
The cost of the device itself is one thing, but what about the data stored on it?
Think about it... How many pictures and videos do you have? How many apps such as social media or shopping are installed? Are your debit cards, passwords, usernames or any other forms of personal information stored in these apps? Do you have documents that contain company data, personal data or data about others?
All data carries value in some form or another. Think about how much that data is worth to a hacker? It's much, much more than the cost of the device itself, isn't it?
Now think about how you protect that device.
Do you keep it locked up when not in use? Is it easily plucked from your back pocket in a crowded concert hall? Are the storage devices encrypted? When you travel, do you take your devices out of the country? Are you keeping them secure when you travel?
What happens when you buy a new mobile phone and they ask you to hand in your old device? What happens to that old phone and the information stored on it? Do you know?
If you find yourself unsure of the answer to some of these questions, or just need a security refresher, here are a few tips to think about to further protect your devices:
- Make sure all of your devices are password and PIN protected.
- Turn on the surface auto-lock feature whenever possible.
- Use unique passwords for each app and website you use (and make sure they aren’t easily guessable).
- Use a password manager to simplify remembering your various passwords.
- Keep your device backed up frequently.
- Set a SIM card PIN.
- Encrypt your phone or laptops storage.
- Don’t share your device with anyone, especially someone you don’t know closely.
- Use the “Find My” feature on iPhones and or Android devices to make it easier to track down misplaced, lost or stolen devices.
If you find you need additional help with any of these tips, review the instructions provided with the device and contact your device manufacturer for further support with the instructions.
Now take a moment and think about the value of your devices again. How will you change how you protect them now?
That’s a CISO perspective.
About the Author – Robert Eastwood
Robert Eastwood is Senior Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer at WSFS Bank. He has more than 24 years of experience in the information security field, including nearly 20 years at WSFS, most recently as Vice President, Information Security Officer, where he developed and executed a multi-year strategic plan for Information Security. He also holds a number of professional certifications and memberships in the Information Services, IT and financial services fields.
Related Articles

CISO Perspective: Is Anything Safe from Getting Hacked?
Working in the information security field, I am often asked a rhetorical question like, “is anything safe from getting hacked?” My answer is yes. But it is important to examine this a little closer to ensure you’re taking the proper precautions to protect yourself and your information.
Read More
How To Keep Your Company and Yourself Safe from Fraud
Whether it’s a compromised email, ransomware, mail theft, or other criminal attempt, fraudulent schemes continue to trend upward and can cost businesses and consumers alike. Preventing fraud requires vigilance from every employee to protect your company’s finances and information. Here are some tips to help protect your business and yourself.
Read More
How To Keep Your Bank Accounts Safe from the Latest Fraud Trends
Instances of fraud have continued to rise in recent years, and it can often seem like scammers are able to stay one step ahead of their victims. As new schemes continue to emerge, it is important for consumers and businesses to remain vigilant to protect their information and bank accounts. Here are some recent fraud trends and tips to help protect yourself.
Read More
How To Spot and Avoid Common Scams that Could Hit Your Wallet
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which serves as a great opportunity to brush up on common scams and how to protect yourself. Scammers work around the clock to find new ways to defraud innocent consumers, and thousands fall victim to scams each day.
Read More
Can You Spot a Phishing Scam? 3 Common Scams and Red Flags
Every day, thousands of people fall victim to fraudulent emails, texts and calls from scammers pretending to be their bank. And in this time of expanded use of online banking, the problem is only growing worse.
Read More