InfoShelter Ltd | Mobile Phone Theft – The Hidden Dangers and How to Protect Yourself

19 Dec Mobile Phone Theft – The Hidden Dangers and How to Protect Yourself

Posted at 10:54h in Cyber by InfoShelter 0 Comments

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Mobile Phone Theft: A Growing Threat

Mobile phone theft is not only common but also becoming increasingly sophisticated. Thieves are becoming more adept at stealing devices and gaining access to sensitive data, often with minimal effort. The theft of your phone is not just an inconvenience; it can open doors to your bank accounts, social media profiles, and other critical personal information.

As an example of the increasing threat, check out this BBC news article about a recent victim of mobile phone theft who had £21k stolen as a direct result.

Earlier this year the Wall Street Journal interviewed a convicted mobile phone thief to get an insight into the strategies used to bypass security and gain access to funds and sensitive information. Watch the video here.

To avoid these risks, it’s essential to take proactive steps to secure your phone and protect your data. Here are some key tips to safeguard yourself from the consequences of mobile phone theft:

Use Biometrics Wherever Possible

Biometric authentication – such as fingerprints or facial recognition – adds an extra layer of security to your phone. It’s quick, easy, and significantly harder for thieves to bypass compared to traditional PIN codes or passwords. Wherever possible, enable biometric authentication for unlocking your device, accessing sensitive apps, and logging into accounts.

Be cautious when using your pin.

It’s not uncommon for thieves to observe their targets from a close distance. If you ever need to enter a PIN or passcode, be vigilant. In crowded places, there’s always a risk that someone could be watching you and memorising or video recording your passcode or pin. Always try to shield your screen and be mindful of those around you when entering sensitive information. And never give your pin to anyone.

Enable “Stolen Device Protection”

Many modern smartphones come with built-in features designed to protect your device in case it’s stolen. For iPhone users, the “Stolen Device Protection” feature, available from iOS 17.3 onwards, adds additional protective measures if someone tries to bypass your biometrics and enter a pin to access your information. Android phones offer similar protection with their theft detection lock, enabling you to track and secure your device remotely.

Use a Different PIN for Banking Apps

One of the easiest ways for thieves to gain access to your accounts is through your banking and finance apps. If you use the same PIN for unlocking your device and accessing your banking apps, it’s time to change that. Where possible, use a unique PIN or password for your financial apps to make it harder for thieves to access your funds, even if they gain control of your phone.

Add Extra Authentication for Email and Messaging Apps

Your email and messaging apps are critical communication channels and often contain sensitive information. To ensure that these accounts remain secure, enable additional biometric authentication . Even if a thief manages to unlock your phone with a pin, combined with the Stolen Device Protection setting, this added security on these apps makes it harder for them to gain access to protected apps. On iPhones this can be enabled by holding the app down for 2-3 seconds then selecting “Require FaceID / Fingerprint” from the context menu. Set this on any email, messaging, online store and work related apps such as Office 365.

Avoid Storing Sensitive Information in Unprotected Apps

While it may be tempting to store passwords, PINs, and other sensitive information in convenient apps like Notes, this can be dangerous. These apps often lack robust security features, making it easier for thieves to access your data if they manage to unlock your device. Instead, consider using a secure password manager that encrypts your data and provides an added layer of protection.

Final thoughts

Mobile phone theft is a risk we all face, but taking the right precautions can greatly reduce the chances of falling victim to it. By enabling biometric authentication, being mindful of your surroundings, using device protection features, and securing your sensitive apps, you can better safeguard your personal data and minimize the consequences of a stolen phone.

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and make your mobile security a priority!