In today’s digital age, many Danes use their smartphones to store personal data, from banking information to private photos. This makes phones a prime target for thieves. Unfortunately, many overlook the built-in security features that can protect their data. Thor Gøtz, Country Manager at OnePlus, offers his advice on securing smartphones and making them less appealing to unauthorized users.
The hidden risks
A stolen phone today is much more than a financial loss—it’s a gateway to sensitive personal data. “With access to bank accounts, private photos, and other personal information, you risk much more than losing an expensive device. The threat of identity theft makes mobile theft far more serious than it was ten years ago,” explains Gøtz.
While the risk of data theft has grown, so has smartphone security. “Modern phones come with advanced features like biometric authentication, where the screen is locked using facial recognition or fingerprints. These tools make it much harder for thieves or hackers to misuse stolen phones,” says Gøtz.
However, he emphasizes the importance of regularly updating your phone’s software, which of course improve the performance but also improve security features, closing gaps that hackers could exploit if the phone falls into the wrong hands. Despite the many security features smartphones offer, many Danes and Scandinavians are unaware of how ineffective they can be if not properly used.
For example, functions like “Find my device” and facial recognition locks are not foolproof. “Many don’t realize that tracking features like Find My Device won’t work if the thief turns off the phone. If the phone is powered off, it can’t be tracked,” says Gøtz.
Facial recognition isn’t always the most reliable method to protect personal data either. “In some cases, facial recognition can be bypassed with a photo of the user. If the thief has access to your pictures from social media, they could potentially manipulate this feature,” he explains. Gøtz recommends fingerprint authentication, which many Android phones offer, as a more secure way to protect your data.
Here are Gøtz and OnePlus’ practical tips for protecting your personal information:
- Activate Biometric Locks: Ensure your phone screen is locked with a passcode or fingerprint. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for thieves to access your personal data. Avoid simple passcodes like “0000” or “1234” as they are easy to guess.
- Install a Tracking App: use apps like “Find My Device” (Android) or “Find My iPhone” (Apple) to quickly locate your phone if it is lost or stolen. While these apps won’t work if the phone is off, you can still remotely lock your device and prevent access to your data. The lock will activate when the phone is turned on or connected to the internet again, ensuring that your information remains protected.
- Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up important files, photos, contacts, and settings using cloud services like Google Drive. This ensures you can recover vital information if your phone is lost or stolen.
- Lock Individual Apps: Use App-Lock functions to secure apps like social media, messaging, and photos with a second passcode or fingerprint. This way, even if the screen lock is bypassed, your personal files and information remain protected.
- Use the Private Safe Feature: Many smartphones have a Private Safe setting that acts like a digital vault for sensitive photos, files, and documents. This feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring a fingerprint or passcode for access.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use two-factor authentication on social media accounts and other essential services. This adds another layer of protection, making it harder for thieves to access your accounts, even if they have your phone.
Protecting your car and your car’s data
As modern cars become increasingly connected, securing your smartphone becomes even more important. Many vehicles today are equipped with smart features that sync with your phone, from navigation to car diagnostics. If your phone is stolen and contains sensitive car-related data—such as access to your car’s remote lock system or personal driving preferences—it could lead to a breach in your vehicle’s security as well.
By safeguarding your phone, you’re not only protecting your personal data but also securing the information that may be linked to your car. This makes it even more critical to take mobile security seriously in our connected world.
Not only that. Today, more and more cars have digital keys directly on smartphones. Making the phone unusable will also prevent potential damage to your car.
