Mobile phones are considered one of the most popular tools used for communication between people worldwide. They have developed into essential tools that some people depend on for the most basic information. Unlike laptops and desktops, mobile phones are more venerable to attack due to their small size and light weight. There are many threats that are concerned with mobile phones; however there are three main threats that can target anyone at anytime and they are Mobile phone loss, Mobile phone theft and unauthorized data retrieval from mobile phones. Although these threats are seen as a growing epidemic there are four main defenses that are the defenses against loss, Mobile phone encryption, Data backup and recovery and permanent data removal.
Mobile Phone loss:
Some people might take this threat lightly believing that there is nothing they can do once their mobile phone is lost. However, the loss of mobile phones is a serious issue, especially if it contains important or classified information. Causes for mobile loss can be as simple as the owner of the phone being distracted or misplacing it.
Mobile Phone Theft:
Unlike robbing a bank or stealing a car, mobile phone thefts do not need much skill or even much effort. There are several reasons why mobiles phones can be targeted for theft which may include using or displaying mobile phones in public or unsecure areas, leaving mobile phones on tables or chair in malls or streets or having the latest models or new phones. People with important social or any other kind of status most probably carry mobile phones that have very valuable information that a lot of people might want to gain access to, this makes their mobile phones more vulnerable for theft.
Unauthorized Data Retrieval:
When people want to sell or get rid of their mobile phones the first step thy usually take is to transfer all of their data to a computer, another phone or another source to keep the information. Next, they format or delete all of the information on the device they want to dispose of. What a lot of people do not know is that after they sell or get rid of their phones, the data stored in their devices can be retried after they think they deleted it. There are many different types of software that can be used to retrieve data out of SIM cards, memory cards and the phone memory itself.
Mobile Encryption:
Mobile encryption is a great defense against mobile theft and loss where the robber cannot gain access to any of the information or applications on the device itself. There are many programs provided on the internet or sold in mobile phone retail stores to encrypt mobile devices. Some encryption products also include a “time bomb” capability that destroys data on the device, typically after a certain number of logon attempts have been unsuccessful. Some handheld devices come with the ability to “wipe” data from lost or stolen phones.
As a Whole, mobile encryption is one of the best defenses against mobile loss and theft. They are applications or programs that can be taken as easy steps that users can learn about online or from stores.
Backup and Authorized Recovery:
Backup and recovery products ensure that if a mobile device is lost or stolen the user can recover the data and files. This defense is especially useful for keeping record of important information that if lost may cause a lot of problems. Also, it’s preferred to always update backup data to make sure that even if the mobile phone was lost or stolen the data in the backup data is up to date with the lost or stolen device.
Permanent Removal of Data from Mobile Phones:
After people remove all their data from their devices to sell or get rid of them, they do not know that the data deleted can be retrieved. If you bought a new phone from a carrier, you can take the old and new phones to the carrier store. They will permanently delete the data from the old phone for your, and they'll probably be able to transfer all of the your contacts to the new phone, too. Then you can give the old phone away. If you wish to delete your data manually here are the different procedures you can follow. Remove any memory cards. Also, before selling or give away a phone, either remove the SIM card or call the carrier to get them to remove the phone from your account. Go to the phone's "settings" menu. Look for an option marked "Security," "Master Reset," "Memory," "Initial Setup" or "Clear." You might open another menu; look for a Clear, Wipe or Master/Factory Reset option. If the phone asks for a lock code, it's usually the last four digits of the phone number, but it could also be 1234 or 000000. If you can't find the right option, you must go to a carrier store; they'll wipe the phone for you.