Categories: Performance

5 Ways to Prevent Phone Theft While Traveling

When you’re traveling, the last thing you need is for your phone to get stolen. With Android thefts on the rise, it’s important to know how to safeguard your device. After all, your phone contains lots of important and sensitive information. It’s also a digital thumbprint of your day-to-day life. You wouldn’t want that getting into someone else’s hands, would you? That’s why it’s important to properly protect your device in advance. Enable DFNDR’s Anti-Theft feature to remotely protect your device in case of loss or theft:

With Anti-Theft activated, you can put a lockdown on your phone, find its GPS location on a map, sound an alarm (if you lose your device nearby), and delete all data off of your device. While this is a great way to further protect your device, you should still make some efforts to prevent theft from happening. Below are five tips.

Keep Your Phone Hidden

When you’re out in public, your phone shouldn’t be seen. Crowded areas, like public transit and busy streets, are the worst places to be texting. A thief could easily grab you phone, then disappear into a swarm of people, never to be seen again. If you absolutely need to send a message, hold the Android firmly by fanning out your fingers to maximize grip.

Store It Safely

Have your phone stored properly at all times. First of all, it should always be carried with you, whether in a front pocket, a traveler’s pouch, or a zippered handbag. Never leave your phone neglected on a restaurant table or in the hotel room. Also, keeping your phone in a back pocket is never recommended. Pickpockets can fish it out and be long gone before you even notice.

Get a Phone Case

A basic phone case is another good trick, especially if your phone is new or expensive. Concealing the brand and model will make your Android less appealing to thieves. That being said, don’t purchase a designer case — you’re just asking for trouble then.

Stay Aware in Public

When you’re moving around the city, always be aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of strangers who try to strike up conversation, or walk closely next to you. Also, when you’re in public, take your headphones off. Thieves will think you’re an easy target if you’re oblivious to the world around you.

Have a Backup Plan

Before you board that plane, make sure that your phone is backed up, and that you have all of the necessary information written down. If the device is stolen, it’s necessary to know its unique serial numbers. Many police forces will ask for them when you submit a report.

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The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.