Many people ask me, “What can I do to protect myself as a mobile phone owner?”  In one discussion, they told me “Keeping a windows mobile device is like flying a chair.”  I’d say it’s more like flying a kite, when you have the right conditions, resources, and guidance.

Whether you have an Apple iPhone, RIM Blackberry, Symbian, Google and Open Handset Alliance Android, Palm Pre or a Windows Mobile, all users will need to attend to many of the items listed here for Windows Mobile owners. Nobody is completely safe from the risks of carrying these items. We all have heard nightmare stories of people losing the use of their devices. These seven steps will bring you closer to the safe haven of mobile computing.

1. Get your windows mobile updates monthly. It’s like brushing your teeth, only you don’t have to do it daily.
2. Use a PIN to lock your SIM card. This will stop someone from making unauthorized calls.
3. Install security software.
4. Lock your phone using a PIN.  It’s amazing that so many of us disable this feature. It’ll keep your sensitive information private.
5. Encrypt data on storage card. Some of these cards are the size of your fingernail and they hold multiple gigabytes of precious data like pictures, videos, music files. Most people agree it’s a good idea to prevent other people from reading files saved to your storage card. Encryption is the answer, just like locking your car door.
6. Before you retire your old phone, delete the files. Of course you back up and transfer to your new device first.
7. Use a simple online service that helps owners identify their valuables before they become lost and makes it easy for finders of lost items to act on their honesty and integrity.  ImHONEST.com donates 20% of its sales to charity.

With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to loosen the lines and let your mobile computing soar.  I welcome your comments and additional suggestions on safe ways of handling mobile devices.