Phone stolen? Here’s what you can do

Smartphone snatching in the City is an alarming reality. And sadly, it is on the rise.

The loss of a handset is agonising no doubt, and can pinch the pocket, given the cost of premium phones. However, the greater worry is data being stolen and misused. Confidential work emails or netbanking apps installed on the phone can give away precious information and this could have serious repercussions for the owner of the handset.

However, there are a few ways in which one can minimise, if not eliminate, the risk of data being misused.

The first thing to do is to report the incident to the nearest police station. Getting the handset is something that may not happen, but one can follow a few steps to try and safeguard data that is stored.

Also read: Phone snatchers target Bengaluru's CBD

The first option to keep the phone secure is to set fingerprint (when the facility is available) and PIN security for the smartphone. The thief will not be able to get hold of data if the phone is secured with fingerprint and a PIN. It is also important to note that the PIN or pattern security should be changed occasionally. These security measures are strong, but cannot assure absolute security.

In Android phones, there is an app called Find My Device. One can use Google Maps on another mobile device or a computer to try and locate the stolen phone. However, there is one catch in this method. GPS services must be active on the lost phone. If the lost phone runs out of battery power, this method is again not useful.

The iOS equivalent of the above is Find My iPhone.

Several companies offer apps that can remotely track and wipe out data from the stolen device. Google has tied up with an anti-virus company to create Play Protect, which provides security for Android phones.

Cerberus and Prey are two apps that can be used with stolen phones. Samsung has its own phone tracking and security feature built into their Galaxy line.

Backing up personal data is important. In case of a phone being stolen and all data on the phone has to be deleted, there is no way of getting back data unless it is backed up.

The other alternative is that some important apps like mobile banking and email could be locked with lock apps.

A lot of smartphone users make the mistake of saving passwords on the browser. This may save you a bit of time every time one wants to log in. However, allowing browsers to remember passwords is making it easy for misuse in case the phone is stolen.

If a smartphone is stolen, it may be a good idea to alert your banks about it. Blocking credit/ debit cards or accounts will help prevent financial fraud.

What can you do to avoid your phone being snatched?

If you are standing on the pavement or road and tracking arrival of the cab with the smartphone in one hand, this is making it easy for snatchers. Holding the phone with both hands makes it harder for anyone to snatch.

Avoid browsing the internet or checking email while walking since your attention to potential snatchers and surroundings is minimal.

If one needs to make calls while walking, it is advisable to use a wired or Bluetooth handsfree devices with the phone in the pocket.

Even while casually walking, it is advisable to keep the smartphone in the pocket or handbag.