Surely you’ve seen them: people traipsing through campus with their smartphones, excitedly chasing down and capturing “creatures.”
This is Pokémon Go, a mobile game that uses a phone’s camera and GPS to allow you to find, train, and battle with virtual Pokémon creatures as if they appear in the real world.
Privacy and security experts with the University Information Policy Office and University Information Security Office say that in the rush to download and play the game, it’s important to consider these privacy measures:
- Be careful when installing apps—make sure they have the exact title and vendor you expect. Don’t install unapproved apps. Know that copycat apps can include malware.
- Apply app updates automatically or as soon as they become available.
- Don’t jailbreak your phone. It makes it more vulnerable to malicious software.
- For apps that require you to create an account with an online service, choose a strong passphrase and protect it well.