Street thefts of mobile phones rocketed by 150% in the past year compromising the corporate data of thousands of companies, writes marketing co-ordinator Abbey Wright.
While access to company emails on the move is a requirement for most employees, many firms are not taking the right steps to safeguard their information.
We highly recommend protecting access to the phone with a pincode and locking all applications that access business data. The recent iOS update enables users to lock apps by following these steps:
1. Go to the Home Screen.
2. Locate the app you want to lock.
3. Touch and hold the app icon until the quick action’s menu opens.
4. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode).
5. Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode) again, then authenticate using Face ID (or Touch ID or a passcode).
Android has introduced a feature that aims to lock the phone automatically if it’s swiped from your hand:
Theft Detection Lock is a new feature that uses Google AI to sense if someone snatches your phone from your hand and tries to run, bike or drive away. If a common motion associated with theft is detected, your phone screen should lock – which helps keep thieves from easily accessing your data.
If a thief tries to disconnect your phone for prolonged periods of time, Offline Device Lock automatically locks your screen to help protect your data even when your device is off the grid. Android can also recognize other signs that your device may be in the wrong hands. For example, it will lock your device screen when excessive failed authentication attempts are made.
Theft Detection Lock and Offline Device Lock are available to Android 10+ devices through a Google Play services update later this year.
Tony Wilson, managing director of Indelible Data, said: “While phones cost a few hundred pounds to replace, company data and reputation is so much more valuable and must be protected by being proactive with employees via policies and procedures for corporate phones.”
Currently, only 0.8% of thefts lead to criminal charges, highlighting the need for individuals and companies to take the following preventative action:
• Keep a record of your unique 15-digit IMEI number so that if your phone is stolen, you can provide the number to police when reporting the theft and network operators can blacklist the IMEI. The number can be found in by visiting your phone settings>general>about.
• Contact your network provider to cancel your SIM card and alert your bank if necessary
• Use “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” to locate, secure, and erase your phone’s data.
Indelible Data offers Cyber Security Awareness training to help improve company security. Find more information here
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