Cybersecurity Pitfalls for Police Officers on Mobile Devices

Guest post by Christian Torkelson, LMCIT cybersecurity loss control field consultant, and Garrett Johnson, LMCIT loss control consultant

Police work is fast, demanding, and always on the move. Mobile phones and tablets make it easier to stay connected in the field, but with convenience comes risk. Hackers know officers are busy, rely on email and file sharing, and trust each other. That makes law enforcement a tempting target. Here are some common cybersecurity pitfalls to watch for.

1. Rushed Decisions on Email and Messages

The fast pace of calls and reports leaves little time to study every email or text. Attackers count on this. They send messages that look urgent or official, hoping you’ll click a bad link or download an infected file without thinking twice.

Tip: Slow down before clicking. Even a 10-second pause to check the details can save hours of cleanup later.

2. Small Screens Hide Big Details

Most mobile email apps only display the sender’s name by default, not the full email address. Hackers can type any name they want, such as “Chief Johnson” or “Court Admin.” Unless you click on the name to expand it, you won’t see the real sender address.

Tip: Always expand and check the full address before trusting an email. Don’t assume the displayed name is genuine.

3. Collecting Evidence on Personal Phones

Phones are sometimes used to take photos, record videos, or send sensitive information. But if this happens on a personal device, the evidence is at risk. Pictures, attachments, and sensitive messages may sit in your inbox or photo roll long after you forget about them. If your phone is lost, stolen, or hacked, that evidence can be exposed. Likewise, any evidence retained in your email inbox could easily become a data breach if your email or Microsoft account was compromised. 

Tip: Lock down your device with strong passcodes or biometrics. Follow department policy for where and how evidence is stored. Clear sensitive material from your phone and email as soon as it’s properly uploaded or secured.

4. Trust Can Be Exploited

Police departments are close-knit, and officers often need to send each other information both within and across departments. Hackers know this. If one officer’s email account is hacked, the attacker often sends messages to everyone in their contact list. Because the emails come from a trusted colleague, others may open them without hesitation. This can lead to rolling attacks that spread across officers and departments.

Tip: If you ever suspect your account has been hacked, report it immediately. And if you receive an odd message from a fellow officer, verify it’s really them before responding.

Final Word

Your phone is a powerful tool, but also a target. By staying alert to these pitfalls, you can protect yourself, your colleagues, and your community. Cybersecurity doesn’t mean slowing down the job. It means taking small, smart steps to keep control of the tools you rely on every day.