Celebrity Unwittingly Provides Lesson on the Importance of Mobile Device Security

CUPERTINO, Calif., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT/WHY:  Paris Hilton has reportedly misplaced two mobile devices during her travels this week. Hilton is rightfully alarmed, as anyone finding the devices is potentially capable of easy access to her private information and contacts.

This isn't Hilton's first brush with mobile insecurity. In 2005, her mobile device was hacked and the contact info for her friends and family posted on the Internet.

Hilton's high profile loss reminds us that a solution like Norton Mobile Security, which can locate, wipe and lock your Android smartphone, can come in handy. While the average person's mobile device may not be a gateway to the rich and famous, it likely contains critical passwords, direct access to bank accounts and social networks, social security numbers, private messages and other privileged information.

Moreover, according to Internet security leader Norton, malware and scams directed at mobile platforms have significantly increased within the past year.

Mobile device users need to protect themselves from the threats of hackers or lost critical personal information by following a few simple tips from Norton:

• Consider mobile security software, such as Norton Mobile Security, that can remotely lock, wipe or locate a lost device, and scans mobile apps to check if they are malicious
• Always password protect or screen lock your mobile device in case it is lost or stolen
• Use common sense when accepting application permission requests to ensure they match the application features
• Be safe and smart when surfing the Web on your smartphone, tablet or PC by using a Web filtering service like Norton DNS

While your mobile device may feel "glued" to you, it's one momentary lapse away from the sticky hands of others. One in three adults have faced cell phone loss, and it's a frustrating experience that can be eliminated and replaced with peace of mind by taking a few easy steps to stay protected.

EXPERTS:  Norton mobile security experts are on-hand to share tips with users on how they can protect themselves from online threats and stay out of the hands of cybercriminals.

WHEN:  Interviews with Norton security experts available upon request.

SOURCE Norton