2. Disable unused services (SMS, HTTP, J2ME)

3. Don't accept unsolicited file transfers from other devices via Bluetooth, SMS, etc.

4. When online, use the same "best practice" precautions as you would while on your PC's browser. This applies to your use of the Internet (browser, IM, etc.), and of reading e-Mail.

5. Be wary of what you do in public. For example, accessing bank accounts and transferring funds from one account to another. Open public spaces actually afford more of an opportunity for malicious people to eavesdrop than do small internet cafe settings. Along the same lines, be careful of what buttons you press (you are simply generating a tone that could be recorded and played back) while in quiet spaces. It is better to work from places that have a higher level of ambient noise.

6. Find a phone with the service option to remotely kill it when it is irretrievably lost.

7.If retrieving is the only option, help along the process by servicing it with GPS software. Many cellular providers offer this service. As long as your phone is in operation, you should be able to get a rough location of it.

8. If you have a habit of losing things, rent! Because they are only temporary, rented devices tend to carry less data.

9. Remember to remove any memory cards before returning a rented unit!

10. Be sure to clean the device as per the device manufacturer's recommendations (or rental company) before returning a rental unit. The same holds true when disposing of the device. When disposing, you also have the option to physically destroy the memory chip(s).

11. To protect against monetary loss of the unit itself, consider insuring your device, but be aware that not all providers offer additional insurance on the device they sell. For example, you will receive a manufacturer's warranty on the $400.00 Palm Treo you just bought, but should not be surprised when your cellular service can't insure it against damage or loss.

About the Auhtor
Shane Coursen, Senior Technology Consultant at Kaspersky Lab, has held lead virus researcher positions with all of the major anti-virus players through the past five years, holding senior-level virus research positions since 1996. He has published industry-related articles and presented at a number of national and international anti-virus conferences.