With our smartphones becoming more integrated into our everyday lives, from digital wallets through to health apps, we’re storing more and more sensitive data on our gadgets. And this means, not only does it leave our personal data a little more exposed, but it also makes our phones more attractive to thieves! 

In this blog, we'll share some tips to help you prevent theft and secure your device's data … as you can never be too careful!

Risks of Mobile Phone Theft:

So beyond the financial loss of replacing a stolen device, thieves, of course, also gain access to sensitive personal information stored on your phone. 

And with mobile phone theft on the rise, doing as much as possible to protect your phone, and all the information in it, is critical. Did you know that in London alone, there were just over 90,000 phones stolen in 2022 - that’s 250 a day, 1 every 6 minutes! Pretty scary statistics! 

Some Essentials to Prevent Theft:

1. Keep your phone secure when not in use: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent theft is to lock your phone with a PIN, password, or biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. 
2. Be aware of your surroundings: Don’t leave your phone unattended. Thieves often target people who are distracted and leave their phones on tables while eating, drinking, or simply putting it down for a second to grab something from their bag! Keep your phone close to you at all times, and avoid being conspicuous or carrying it in your hand or pocket.
3. Use the theft features: Most phones have features that can help you locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely in case of theft. For example, iOS devices have the Find My iPhone, while Android devices offer the Find My Device. Make sure these features are enabled.
4. Install security software: To further protect your device, you can install antivirus and anti-theft apps. These apps can help detect and remove malware, track the location of your device, and remotely lock or erase your phone if it's stolen or lost.

Safeguarding Your Data in Case of Theft:

In addition to preventing theft, it's also important to protect your data.

1. Backup your data regularly: Use cloud storage services such as iCloud or Google Drive to store your important files, photos, and contacts, and make sure to back-up the data regularly. This ensures that even if your device is lost or stolen, you can easily restore your data on a new device.
2. Enable remote wipe: Many smartphones offer a remote wipe or factory reset option that allows you to protect your personal information. Make sure this setting is enabled on your device.
3. Encrypt your data: Another important security measure is to encrypt the data stored on your device. Encryption converts your data into a coded format that can only be accessed with the correct decryption key, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. Enable encryption on your device's settings to protect your data from being accessed by thieves or hackers.
4. Consider phone insurance: Finally, phone insurance can cover you for theft and loss, amongst other things. And while insurance won't prevent theft, it can provide financial reimbursement or device replacement in the event that your phone is stolen or lost.

Additional Security Measures:

In addition to these essential tips, there are several other security measures you can take to further protect your phone and data from theft and unauthorized access.

1. Use two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. Enable two-factor authentication for your email, social media, and banking accounts.
2. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks can pose security risks, as they're often unsecured and vulnerable to hacking attempts. Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks, especially when accessing sensitive information such as online banking or shopping accounts. Instead, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from prying eyes.
3. Update your software regularly: Keeping your phone's operating system and apps up to date is important as software updates often include security patches and bug fixes that address known security vulnerabilities.

What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen:



Despite your best efforts to prevent theft, there's always a risk that your phone may be stolen or lost. If this happens, here’s what to do;

1. Report the theft to the Police: Provide details of the theft, including the make and model of your device, its serial number if you know it, and any identifying information that may help track down the thief. You can also use the features mentioned above to help locate and / or secure the data in the device. 
2. Contact your carrier: Next, contact your mobile carrier to inform them of the theft and request that they suspend service to your device. This will prevent unauthorized use of your phone and protect you from incurring charges for calls, texts, and data usage made by the thief.
3. Monitor for identity theft: Finally, keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your bank or credit card issuer as soon as possible. And if you’re worried your data is compromised, then consider changing your passwords. 

We always think ‘it won’t happen to us’ but with phone theft on the rise and more of our personal data stored on our gadgets, the risk is far greater than a ‘just’ a lost phone. So, stay alert, use the phone’s security features, and don’t make it easy for thieves.