Martin Lewis Issues Urgent Advisory for Smartphone Users
Martin Lewis, esteemed personal finance advisor, has sounded a clarion call to iPhone and Android users alike, imploring them to undertake a few essential modifications.
During his segment on ITV’s This Morning, he elucidated that neglecting to configure their devices properly could leave individuals vulnerable in the event of theft or loss.
Lewis emphasized the necessity of establishing a five-digit code, noting the alarming uptick in mobile theft. He provided actionable insights that everyone should implement promptly to fortify their devices against potential threats.
This pronouncement arrives on the heels of recent inquiries from members of the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee directed at Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
They have vocally criticized technology firms for their inadequate responses to the epidemic of mobile phone theft.
The committee has posed pointed questions regarding the lack of proactive measures by manufacturers to thwart stolen devices from accessing cloud services internationally.
An increase in mobile theft has become particularly concerning in urban centers, most notably in London, where data from the Metropolitan Police indicates that approximately 80,000 handsets were reported stolen last year.
A considerable fraction of these devices is allegedly trafficked overseas. Just earlier this month, the Metropolitan Police revealed that one smuggling operation shipped as many as 40,000 stolen mobile phones from the UK to China within a year.
To mitigate these risks, Lewis advised users to initially download a specific application, referencing a source from the Express.
Lewis articulated, “Every smartphone owner—be it Apple or Android—should utilize ‘Find My Device’ or the ‘SmartThings’ app. These applications not only facilitate device location but also allow users to disable payments.
Although this does not prevent your phone from being resold, it minimizes risks considerably. There are two primary hazards regarding mobile theft: one, losing the device and filing an insurance claim, and two, the potential for unauthorized access to your personal information.”
He further divulged additional settings that should be utilized on devices, especially concerning banking applications.
“Ensure that your biometric settings—be it facial recognition or fingerprint ID—are activated on your phone as well as on your banking apps. It’s imperative to implement these precautions across all financial applications,” he stated.
Moreover, he recommended that users input a five-digit sequence into their devices: “Type *#06#. This action will generate a series of numbers akin to barcodes, known as your IMEI number.
Capture a screenshot and email it to yourself; this identification will be crucial if your phone is stolen.” This code is easily accessible through the dialer function.
Equally important is the necessity to disable notification previews: This is vital. When you receive transaction alerts via text that display codes, they can be visible on your lock screen if preview notifications are enabled.
If your phone is compromised, the thief could easily view sensitive information. Thus, it’s prudent to disable preview notifications.
Finally, Lewis urged individuals to explore the security settings on their devices to assess available protection options. “While these measures will not eliminate the risk of theft, they significantly diminish the probability of falling victim to fraud,” he concluded.
Source link: Chroniclelive.co.uk.
