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How to keep your smartphone info safe and secure

Nobody wants their phone to be stolen, or lose it, but if it does happen, make sure all your info on it is backed up.

IT’S SOMETHING THAT we never think will happen to us, but the chances of your phone being robbed or getting lost is higher than you would expect.

With over 12,000 mobile phones stolen in the last year, you should take some measures in case it does happen to you further down the line.

Considering how much information we store on it, it can be very worrying when it happens, but there are a number of steps you should take first to ensure you’re not left in a panic.

Set a lock code

An obvious one, but at the very least, your phone should require a code to unlock it.

All phones set PINs as the default choice, but they’re not the most secure method. If you’re a iPhone and Windows Phone user, you can create a more complex password – similar to the passwords you use to log into your email or social media accounts – through settings.

Android users have that and more to choose from including a pattern password, and face unlocking, which while handy, isn’t as secure as you would expect.

iOS and Windows Phone users have the option of wiping the phone clean after a number of failed attempts.

image

An example of some of the type of lock codes you can place on Android.

Limit access on the lock screen

iPhone and Android users can access the control center or widgets straight from the lock screen. While this is handy for you, it could also allow someone who stole your phone to access your phone. You can turn these features off in settings.

Activate Find My Phone

All smartphones have a find my phone feature that allows you to control your phone remotely as well as track its location. Through it, you can either get it to ring, lock your phone, or erase its data entirely, but you need to activate the feature first.

The option can be found in settings. For iPhone users, it’s under iCloud. Android users can find it under Security and Device Administrators, while Windows Phone users can find it under settings.

Once you’ve that done, you can activate it from your browser. Remember that the phone must be switched on for the feature to work. However, if the phone is turned off, you won’t be able to track it.

image

How the find my phone feature works for iOS.

Backup all data

Something that you should do after you’ve updated your phone with your contacts, schedule, photos and any other necessary information is back it up as soon as you get the chance.

You can backup your data on your computer, on the cloud, or on both. iOS, Android and Windows Phone all have their own cloud versions and once you have it connected to the cloud, your phone will automatically backup your data when it’s connected to WiFi, locked and connected to a power source.

While these services are useful, it’s recommended that you connect up to Dropbox, Google Drive or Microsoft Skydrive as well so that all new photos, videos other documents are uploaded each time.

Which one you settle for is entirely down to preference, but it’s worth mentioning each service offers a different amount of data for free as well as paid services. Here’s what the three main cloud services offer:

Dropbox – 2GB (increase to 15GB when you complete tasks)
Google Drive – 15GB
Microsoft SkyDrive – 7GB (Currently offering an extra 20GB for the year if you sign up before the end of January)

Get your phone code

If you enter *#06# on your phone, it will bring up its International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This is important as the code allows your service provider to deactivate your phone straight away.

Take a note of it and store it in a place where you can easily access it, in case your phone is stolen.

If you don’t have it, you can still get your provider to deactivate your phone once you give them the necessary details, but having your IMEI number will make things go faster.

Always be alert

When everything is said and done, it’s essentially down to you to ensure it’s safe. Apply common sense to the situation and keep your phone on you at all times.

If you keep it in your bag, you won’t know it’s been taken until it’s too late so have it in your pocket or in front of you so you always know where it is.

Read: Everything you should know before shopping online >

Read: EU passes deal on universal mobile phone charger >

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29 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gerard Casserly
    Favourite Gerard Casserly
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:26 AM

    2 best out there are Gcloud and Avira.
    Have used both, recommended to all my friends.
    Saved many a friends photos, contacts etc.
    Gcloud fantastic if changing phone.
    HAPPY NEW YEAR.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Antonov Merinov
    Favourite Antonov Merinov
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:50 PM

    I am a believer in iPhone.
    But my iPhone was stolen/lost last week.
    Find my iPhone is useless.
    The minute the thief gets hold of your phone he/she switches it off.
    They then go to an area of zero internet coverage and attempt to crack your pin to access confidential data.
    If there is no internet coverage the wipe all data function won’t kick in.
    If your phone is stolen call your service provider and cancel your number and❗️❗️. Pass on the 15 digit IMEI code to virtually render your ex phone useless.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Continent Simian
    Favourite Continent Simian
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    Dec 29th 2013, 2:03 PM

    If you set it up properly, the thief would need another pass code to deactivate Find My Phone.

    Bit late to tell you now, I know. Sorry. :-/

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Jackman
    Favourite Patrick Jackman
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    Dec 29th 2013, 7:00 PM

    Are they actually stolen or just reported stolen to get a free upgrade? 12,000 is a huge number.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daire O Connor
    Favourite Daire O Connor
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    Dec 30th 2013, 6:07 PM

    No such thing as a free upgrade because of a stolen phone. Unless your phone’s insured you get nothing and still have to finish your contract.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adam Sheridan
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    Dec 29th 2013, 12:27 PM

    Absolute awful english from some people commenting on this feed!

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dwickedchicken
    Favourite Dwickedchicken
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    Dec 29th 2013, 12:35 PM

    Quick lads. Run.
    It’s the grammar police.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Rochford
    Favourite Brian Rochford
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:26 PM

    I taut they ask spoke very goodly

    50
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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:35 PM

    Absolutely*

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emily Elephant
    Favourite Emily Elephant
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:45 PM

    And *English

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ruaidhrí Maxwell
    Favourite Ruaidhrí Maxwell
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:35 AM

    Prey is a great app for both mobile and laptops

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen O'Callaghan
    Favourite Stephen O'Callaghan
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    Dec 29th 2013, 12:31 PM

    what has religion got to do with this topic

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Colm Harpur
    Favourite Colm Harpur
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:13 PM

    Two thumbs down…

    9
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Continent Simian
    Favourite Continent Simian
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    Dec 29th 2013, 2:04 PM

    I have it installed on every device I can. I almost hope I’m robbed. :)

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Padraig Fahy
    Favourite Padraig Fahy
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    Dec 29th 2013, 3:23 PM

    If you got a new Android device, please make sure that Remote Wiping and Remote Locking is enabled.
    So if you lose your device, you can go to the “Android Device Manager” (First result in Google), click and protected!

    Note: Make a note of your IMEI number (*#06# or the sticker under your battery) and store it somewhere safe. You can give the IMEI number to the Gardai who can then pass it on to your network provider who can disable the phone if you have forgotten to use the above method.

    If you use Gmail or Google Drive. Please for the love of god, use 2-step authentication using the “Google Authenticator” app that is free.

    Kids around? Open the “Play Store” app, Go into the “Settings” and tap the checkbox for ‘Password’, which means that a password is required to do in-app purchases.

    Last one (probably not relevent for this article but I shall put it here anyway), get a case for your phone. €10 for a cheap case is better than paying €100-€200 for a new screen!

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute THE VOICE
    Favourite THE VOICE
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    Dec 29th 2013, 12:54 PM

    Smart phones shouldnt be given thick people….
    Thats where the problem lies….

    21
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    Mute Brian Rochford
    Favourite Brian Rochford
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:27 PM

    And yet you have one it seems

    98
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lloyd Christmas
    Favourite Lloyd Christmas
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:16 AM

    If you ring your provider to deactivate your phone, does that delete everything, your photos messages contacts, always wondered how that works

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:25 AM

    No, they cannot delete all the data on the phone. They claim they can deactivate the phone but I seriously doubt they can.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mitch Connor
    Favourite Mitch Connor
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:33 AM

    They block the handset from being used with another sim card.

    Otherwise the data & other handset functions will continue to work.

    22
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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dec Rowe
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:38 AM

    They can deactivate its use as a phone by blocking the imei number but you can have a new number assigned to the handset easily by getting an old handset of any make from the se network and retrieving and using that imei number. Phones are not at all secure!

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dec Rowe
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:41 AM

    *same

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ohmadge85
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    Dec 29th 2013, 6:21 PM

    @lloyd when a phone is deactivated or ‘blacklisted’ all the networks in the country are sent the IMEI and told not to allow the handset be used on their network. Problem is once the phone is outside Ireland, it’s no longer blacklisted so chances are any phones stolen are just shipped abroad. The networks will tell you the phone is useless so customers don’t escalate, but that’s not true.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seamus mcdermott
    Favourite seamus mcdermott
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    Dec 29th 2013, 11:40 AM

    Let us give thanks for the never-ending recurring monthly charges.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:31 PM

    Ready to go

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bo bo
    Favourite Bo bo
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    Dec 30th 2013, 8:35 AM

    Just go sim only after your contract and it’s really cheap. The phone companies don’t automatically change the tariff down once the initial 12/18/24 mth contract is up unless you ask them, very sneaky!!. Mine went from 45/mth to now 16/mth with exactly the same bundle.
    So if your phone is working fine go sim only, unless you really need to upgrade.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute alanobrien
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    Dec 29th 2013, 12:07 PM

    Buy iPhone 5 an turn find my iPhone on never be robbed without finding it

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emily Elephant
    Favourite Emily Elephant
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    Dec 29th 2013, 1:48 PM

    Unless you steal the phone and turn Find My iPhone off. If you don’t want this to happen, you also have to enable restrictions and apply them to FMi.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute greg
    Favourite greg
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    Dec 29th 2013, 9:12 PM

    FIND MY I PHONE SWITCH ON IN LOCATION SERVICES A BATTERY EATEAR DRAINS BATTERY NOT WORTH SWITCHING ON

    1
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