Martin Lewis Urges iPhone and Android Users to Implement Crucial Security Measures
Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued a critical warning to all users of iPhone and Android smartphones, urging them to adopt several straightforward security enhancements without delay.
During a recent segment on ITV’s This Morning, Lewis underscored the potential dangers of failing to set up their devices properly, which could leave individuals vulnerable if their phones are lost or stolen.
He recommended that everyone establish a five-digit security code. With the surge in mobile thefts, Lewis elaborated on essential steps that can be enacted immediately to safeguard one’s device from unauthorized access.
This call to action arises against the backdrop of recent inquiries from Members of Parliament on the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. They have urged Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to ensure that tech firms enhance their efforts to curtail mobile phone theft.
The committee expressed concerns regarding the lack of effective solutions tailored to prevent stolen devices from accessing cloud-based accounts internationally.
Mobile phone theft has escalated into a significant issue in recent years, particularly in urban centers like London, where approximately 80,000 devices were reported stolen last year, according to Metropolitan Police statistics.
A substantial number of these stolen devices are trafficked overseas. The Metropolitan Police reported earlier this month that a single illicit operation managed to export approximately 40,000 stolen smartphones from the UK to China in the past year. Lewis encouraged users to download a specific application to enhance their security.
He stated, All smartphone users must activate location services. For Apple, this involves using the ‘Find My Device’ feature; for Android users, it’s the SmartThings app. This enables not only location tracking but also allows for the disablement of payment functionalities.
While it won’t prevent resale, it diminishes risks. Let’s be candid: there are two significant threats when your phone is stolen—one, losing your device and facing insurance claims, and two, unauthorized access to your personal information.
Lewis further emphasized the necessity of bolstering mobile security, particularly with banking applications.
“Ensure that biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint ID, is configured on your device. This precaution is vital for all banking apps and should be implemented universally,” he advised.
He elaborated on another crucial step: I urge everyone to input the sequence *#06# into your phone now. You will see a series of barcodes that represent your IMEI numbers.
Capture a screenshot of this information and email it to yourself; this will serve as your phone’s identification if it is ever stolen.
Lewis underscored the importance of disabling notification previews, stating, “This step is vital. When you receive text codes related to transactions, it’s fine if your phone is unlocked; however, preview notifications can reveal sensitive information even when the device is locked. By disabling preview notifications, you ensure that potential thieves cannot access these codes.”
“Finally, take the time to explore the security settings on your phone. None of these actions will deter theft, but they can significantly mitigate the risk of fraud should your device be stolen,” he concluded.
Source link: Chroniclelive.co.uk.
