London Witnesses Skyrocketing Phone Theft
Increase in iPhone Thefts: Secure Your Apple Device with These Leading Strategies
In London, phone theft has experienced a shocking surge, with robberies rising by 150% within the past year. According to recent statistics, a phone is stolen approximately every five minutes in the city. Last week, Paul Gurney, founder, and CEO of BecomingX, fell victim to these escalating crimes when his phone was stolen by a cyclist.
The repercussions of losing a phone extend beyond the physical device, as it acts as a gateway to personal data, financial stability, and mental peace. To help readers stay secure, Paul has compiled a comprehensive guide on safeguarding your iPhone from theft and reducing damage in the event of a theft. Below are his top recommendations.
Fundamental Security Measures
While these basic steps may seem straightforward, they are often disregarded. Adopting them immediately will ensure the optimal security for your phone and precious data.
Acquiring Phone Insurance
Obtaining insurance for your phone acts as a safety net, covering the cost of replacement in the event of theft, loss, or accidental damage. Explore available policies to find the ideal protection tailored to your needs. Many banks provide insurance as part of premium account packages.
Watchfulness in Public Spaces
exercising caution while using your phone in public places, such as busy streets and crowded areas, is crucial. Thieves often target unattentive individuals to snatch devices.
Safeguarding Your IMEI Number
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique identifier assigned to your phone. To securely save this number, navigate to Settings > General > About. You will need this number to file a police report and contact your service provider if your phone is stolen.
Strengthening iPhone Security
Modern iPhones boast robust security features – provided you know how to utilize them. Below are essential steps to secure your iPhone and deter potential thieves.
Activating 'Stolen Device Protection'
Enable this feature in Settings > Face ID & Passcode, hindering anyone from altering your passwords even with knowledge of your passcode when far from trusted locations.
Enabling 'Find My' and Understanding Its Functionality
The 'Find My' app serves as your vital lifeline in the event of a theft. Use it to locate your phone's position, declare it missing, and delete data remotely from the Settings > [Your Name] > Find My menu.
Setting a Short Screen Lock Timer
To reduce your screen lock time, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-lock, and choose a lock duration of 30 seconds. A locked screen restricts what thieves can accomplish on your device.
Requiring Face ID for Secure Apps
Secure apps containing sensitive data by using Face ID. Modify the settings for individual apps by pressing and holding the app icon or accessing Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Disabling 'Control Centre' from the Lock Screen
In Settings > Face ID & Passcode, disable Control Centre access from the lock screen to prevent thieves from enabling airplane mode swiftly after stealing the phone.
For added protection, explore these advanced security measures:
Automating Screen Locks with Airplane Mode
Customize your settings so your phone automatically locks and necessitates Face ID to activate airplane mode, limiting what thieves can accomplish in the initial moments of theft.
Setting Up a 'Stolen Phone' Focus Mode
Create a new 'Stolen Phone' Focus Mode in your settings. This mode can adjust the screen's brightness, prolong battery life, capture photos using front and back cameras, and lock the screen instantly.
Reacting to a Stolen Phone
If the unfortunate occurs, act promptly using these measures:
Triggering 'Stolen Phone' Focus Mode
Activate this mode as soon as you realize your phone is lost using your watch or another Apple device.
Marking Your Phone as 'Lost' in Find My
Access the 'Find My' app, mark your phone as lost, and opt to erase its data remotely.
Reporting the Theft to the Police
Report the theft to the authorities and provide your IMEI number. Additionally, obtain a crime reference number for filing an insurance claim.
Canceling Your SIM Card
Contact your network provider to disable your SIM card and halt unauthorized usage.
Prepare for the unforeseen by familiarizing yourself with these steps and testing your reaction time. Being well-prepared can save you valuable time, money, and unwanted stress.
The Significance of Protecting Your iPhone
Today, our phones are more than just means of communication – they serve as hubs for personal and financial data. By practicing these security measures, you can significantly minimize the associated risks of phone theft. Stay alert, secure your device, and share these tips to aid others in protecting themselves.
Acknowledgment
A special thank you to Paul Gurney, CEO of BecomingX, for allowing us to share his insights on maintaining iPhone security in the face of phone theft.
- To bolster your iPhone's security, consider activating 'Stolen Device Protection' and 'Find My' features, setting a short screen lock timer, requiring Face ID for secure apps, and disabling 'Control Centre' from the lock screen.
- In an unfortunate event of phone theft, promptly react by triggering the 'Stolen Phone' Focus Mode, marking your phone as 'Lost' in Find My, reporting the theft to the authorities, providing your IMEI number, obtaining a crime reference number, and cancelling your SIM card.
