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Mobile Device Security Checklist

Intro

For many of us, smartphones are our primary means of communication, entertainment, and access to knowledge. While they offer significant convenience, they contain a huge amount of personal data about you - from information you intentionally share, to data silently generated from your actions, including Geo-tracking, and you have little control over who may have access to this data.

Checklist

Essential Activities

  • Set a Strong Login Passcode
    Priority: Essential
    Use at least a 6-digit PIN or, preferably, an alphanumeric password. Avoid simple patterns or 4-digit PINs. This will mean if your device is lost or stolen, it will be harder to have access to your data.

  • Turn off Connectivity Features that Aren't Being Used
    Priority: Essential
    When you're not using WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc, turn those features off. There are several common threats that utilize these features.

  • Keep your OS and Apps Updated
    Priority: Essential
    Install iOS or Android security updates as soon as they are released to patch vulnerabilities. Software and app developers regularly identify Security vulnerabilities and issue updates to fix them. Hackers exploit these vulnerabilities and target people who have not updated. Set your devices, apps, and browsers to update automatically. Only install apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (DNC Jan 2026) .

  • Only Install Apps from Official Sources
    Priority: Essential
    Applications on Apple App Store and Google Play Store are scanned and cryptographically signed, making them less likely to be malicious.

  • Enable Biometrics Carefully
    Priority: Recommended
    Use TouchID/FaceID for convenience, but know that in some jurisdictions, you can be legally compelled to provide a fingerprint but not a password.

  • Keep App Count to a Minimum
    Priority: Recommended
    Uninstall apps that you don't need or use regularly. Apps often run in the background, slowing your device down and collecting data.

  • Review App Permissions
    Priority: Recommended
    Don't grant apps permissions that they don't need. Review what each app has access to and revoke anything unnecessary.

  • Use Offline Maps
    Priority: Recommended
    Consider using an offline maps app, such as OsmAnd or Organic Maps, to reduce tracking via on-line map apps.

  • Opt-out of Personalized Ads
    Priority: Recommended
    You can slightly reduce the amount of data collected by opting-out of seeing personalized ads in your device settings. (see How to Turn Off Personalized Google Ads)

  • Shut Down/Restart Device Regularly and at Border Crossings
    Priority: Recommended
    Restarting your phone at least once a week will clear the app state cached in memory. When crossing borders, you may also want to shut down your device. Activist’s Travel Security Checklist

  • Avoid Public Charging Stations
    Priority: Recommended
    Use your own power brick or a USB data blocker to prevent juice jacking malware attacks via public USB charging ports. (seeAvoid Public USB Charging)