To help prevent loss and theft:

• Always lock your device before leaving it unattended.
• Consider engraving your name and email on the device.  
• Consider using the university’s campus police WolfGuard ID Program to register your device and other valuables in a national computerized database.
• Insert a business card or any form of contact information into the phone’s case.
• Keep devices hidden in motor vehicles.
• Never leave your device unattended in a non-secure location.

The device’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit number that serves as the mobile device’s serial number. 

1. Search the device settings for IMEI or serial number or about.
2. Store the serial number in a safe, secure place (for example, in a password manager).

NOTE:  Windows devices do not have IMEIs. Look for their serial numbers on a label or sticker.

1. Set up your lock screen options with the following in mind:

• For minimum security, a 4-digit PIN is required.  If possible, use a combination of letters and numbers for optimum security, and create the longest PIN allowed.
• Change the PIN at least once a year.
• Never enable visible passwords.
• Do not use biometric unlocks (face or fingerprint) as your only means of security.

2. Add your contact information to the lock screen. Consider providing an alternate number or email address to reach you or an emergency contact.
3. Set a screen timeout to determine how long your screen stays on when not in use.
4. Set a lock timeout to determine how long your screen stays off before you must enter your passcode.
5. Manually lock your device before leaving it unattended.

• Create long, strong passwords (aka passphrases or passcodes) that only you can guess. Make your passwords easy to remember and type, and don’t share them with anyone. No one at NC State will ever ask you for your password, so don’t fall for any scams asking you to do so.
• Require Password after Sleep — Turn on this setting to require a password upon waking your device from sleep.

See this anti-malware (aka antivirus) knowledge article for assistance.

NOTE: In most cases, university-owned and managed mobile devices will have anti-malware software installed by default.

• Use only vendor-supported versions of the operating system and all installed apps.
• Update your apps automatically.

NOTE: When an app updates to a version that changes access permissions to your device, you must approve the update manually.

• For manual updates, make sure you update all apps frequently.
• Remove applications you are no longer using.
• Check for device system updates automatically. Each carrier (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) may have different policies and procedures for initiating system updates. 

System updates include software patches for known cybersecurity gaps and vulnerabilities. Make sure you install them as soon as they are released.

For macOS and Windows: Search update

Find My Device

If you can’t find your device, using the Find My Device feature will locate it, ring it, and, if the device has data connectivity, optionally erase it remotely.

Use Find My Device (or Find My iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.) with your personal or NC State Google account to perform device tasks remotely (such as locate, ring, lock, wipe, or erase) from a laptop or other backup device.

Lost or Stolen Devices

If Find My Device was unsuccessful and you are concerned your device might not be recoverable, remotely erase it as described in the Find My Device section above and see the Urgent — Lost or Stolen Mobile Devices page for additional instructions.