The true cost of a stolen phone – Time to increase your “cyber” hygiene

Phone theft is becoming a serious issue as #smartphones hold a treasure trove of personal information. Criminal organizations target smartphones for their valuable data, using sneaky tactics like “shoulder surfing” and covert filming to crack passcodes and access sensitive information.

Stolen phones are often sold on the black market, fueling a larger web of criminal activity. This not only leads to more thefts but also facilitates widespread financial fraud. It’s crucial for individuals to safeguard their phones and personal data to avoid falling prey to phone theft and its potential repercussions.

Improving your “cyber hygiene” is a key step in this direction. Research shows that many people use the same PIN for their phone, apps, services, and bank cards, making it a cakewalk for thieves. And storing multiple bank cards and your driver’s license in your phone case? That’s practically a gift to them.

Connecting the dots between these issues can help focus resources and efforts from tech, telecoms, and financial industries on combating phone theft. It’s time to raise awareness and take action against this growing problem.

https://www.ft.com/content/26be349d-4717-4815-a221-a749e29de2b2?shareType=nongift