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Keeping your mobile phone safe

How to protect your device if it's lost or stolen.

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Written by Andy Collins
Updated this week

Your phone is your lifeline - texts, photos, social media, banking, and everything in between.

With all that personal info on there, it’s super important to keep your device locked down tight. Don’t worry, it’s easy as pie to secure your phone so let’s keep the bad guys out.

Top Tips to Keep Your Phone Secure

Lock it down with a PIN, password, or fingerprint

Always set a strong lock screen. PINs are great, but passwords or biometric locks (fingerprints, face ID) add an extra layer of security. Avoid obvious passwords like 1234 or ‘password’.

Lock your SIM too

Locking your SIM is another option. Your SIM card holds the keys to your mobile kingdom. Setting a SIM PIN adds an extra layer of protection. You can usually find this option in your phone's settings under ‘Security’ or ‘SIM card lock’. If someone tries to pop your SIM into another phone, they’ll need that PIN.

Keep your software updated

Those annoying update notifications? Don’t ignore them! Updates patch security holes hackers might exploit. So tap "Install" and keep your phone fresh.

Only install apps you trust

Download apps from official stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store. Steer clear of sketchy sites or unknown links – they could hide malware or spyware.

Beware of public Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is handy but risky. Avoid logging into sensitive accounts on public networks unless you’re using a VPN (virtual private network). If you don’t know what that is, just use your mobile data for banking or shopping.

Back up your data regularly

Don’t wait for disaster. Use cloud services or your PC to back up contacts, photos, and documents. That way, if your phone gets lost or wiped, you won’t lose everything.

Be cautious with links and messages

Phishing attacks come in texts, emails, or WhatsApp messages pretending to be from banks or friends. If something feels off, don’t click links or share personal info. Want to learn more on how you can protect yourself against Phishing attacks? Certainly! - Just tap here for some extra info.

Spammers and Scammers

Nobody enjoys their phone getting bombarded with annoying SPAM texts. It’s frustrating, feels intrusive, and those pesky scammers just make it worse! Your phone should connect you, not clutter your inbox. Let’s help you spot the scammers and SPAM and keep your info safe! - Just click here to find out more.

Store important info in a safe place

Keep your Apple ID, Google account passwords and other passwords written down in a secure place (not on your phone!) to safeguard your phone’s data. This way, you can easily mark your device as lost. Don’t forget to back up your device regularly to keep your personal details and photos safe!

Keep Your IMEI Handy

Don’t forget to jot down your IMEI number too! This unique 15-digit code identifies your phone and helps us block it if needed as it’s essential for reporting theft. You can easily find your IMEI in three ways:

  1. Just dial *#06# on your phone.

  2. Check your Settings.

  3. Peek in the battery compartment (if your phone has a removable battery).

Hide apps with sensitive info

You can easily hide apps containing sensitive information and protect them with biometric authentication, ensuring that only you have access to your personal data. Stay secure and in control with these user-friendly features.

What to Do If Your Phone’s Lost or Stolen?

  1. Use "Find My Device" (Android) or "Find My iPhone" (Apple) to locate, lock, or erase your phone remotely

  2. Get in touch with us to block your SIM card so no one else can use it.

  3. Change passwords for key apps and accounts linked to your phone.

Remember, a few simple steps can keep your phone - and your personal info - safe. Stay secure!


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