A thief who steals your smartphone can crack it yourself, sell it locally, or to cheat it. But your stolen phone can also travel far as China. An investigation by Financial Times recently (Paval)) Found that there is a house for the treasure of iPhone of the other hand, including a special building stolen equipment in Hukiangbei district of Shenzhen.
Although Huaqiaqiangbei district is hot spots for trading phones in and around it, FT’s investigation is mostly focused on the Feiyang Times Building. Most of the purchases here are for phones that covered action, according to the reporter, their owners were legally traded. But at least a few activities include stolen phones, with Fayyang Times known as China’s “stolen iPhone Building”.
Also: 5 warning signals that have been hacked your phone – and how to fight back
The Times belongs to an unfortunate person whose iPhone 15 Pro was stolen by thieves in London. Using tracking technology, the victim followed the phone to his last destination in the Huaqiangbei district. After sharing his experience on LinkedIn, he found that many others had to face similar situations.
In Northern Carolina, a woman whose phone was stolen was tracked on a trip from Charlot to Miami and then finally for Shenzhen, According to Wral NewsIn this case, the thieves complicated the crime with a spin on the general ransomware trick. In the texts sent to the woman, he told her that they would sell their personal information on the black market until she neutralized the stolen phone, meaning Dark web.
The theft of the phone is increasing, especially in major cities like London, Paris and New York. In February, the UK Metropolitan Police said phone theft in London is a business that produces £ 50 million per year ($ 67 million). In a week, UK police officers captured 1,000 stolen equipment and made 230 arrests, FT.
A phone that can be easily torn due to a weak passcode is more attractive for thieves. In that case, they can steal any personal information and then wipe the phone to sell it as perfectly functional. However, even a closed and protected phone is valuable. Thieves can simply strip it and sell the components used – like a chop shop for mobile devices.
Also: Rebooting your phone daily is your best defense against zero -click attacks – why is it here
A phone seller who spoke to the FT reporter revealed that IDs such as phones with safety measures are usually about 70% lower than those unlocked. Such a phone is then broken into parts and sold in a small profit in Shenzen.
Okay, now that you are sufficiently concerned about taking around your phone, how can you save it from thieves? Miguel Fourns, a cyber security expert in VPN and Security Service Surfshark, share their views on the phone and suggest to secure your phone.
1. Take advantage of anti-fisheries settings
Both iPhones and Android devices provide theft security facilities that can help you secure your phone better. On an iPhone, go to Settings and select face ID and passcode. Swipe the screen, tap settings for stolen device safety, and turn on its switch.
Also: 7 ways to shut down your phone safety – before it is too late
On the Android device, go to the settings and select Google or Google services. Swipe the screen for all services and select the theft security. Now you can turn options like identity check, theft detection lock, offline device lock and remote lock.
2. Use my convenience
Both iPhones and Android devices also find my device to help find a stolen or lost phone detection.
On an iPhone, go to the settings, tap your account at the top, select me, and find my iPhone. Turn on the switch to find my iPhone, find my network, and send the final location. Then you can sign in another Apple device or in Find icloud website If you need to track your device.
On the Android device, go to the settings, select security and privacy, and then tap the device explorers. Find my device and turn on its switch. To track your phone, you can use Google’s Find Hub App Sign in another device Find my hub website,
3. Save the IMEI number of your phone
If your phone is ever stolen, your provider or even police can use the IMEI number to track it and even try to disable it. To find your IMEI number on an iPhone or Android phone, launch a dial pad in the phone app and dial *#06#. You can then take a screenshot and other numbers of IMEI number on the display and store information on a safe and safe place.
4. Use a strong passcode
Do you use a simple four -digit number for your Pascode, perhaps something like 1234? It is just asking for trouble. With any pin or password, you need to use a thief to be strong and safe to prevent your phone from reaching.
On an iPhone, you can create a custom numerical or alphanumeric code. On the Android device, you can create a numeric code up to 16 digits. Although it can be attractive to live with a four -digit code, consider one with at least six digits for additional safety. And do not use the same pin everywhere.
Too: Biometrics vs. Passcods: What a lawyer says if you are worried about warrantless phone discoveries
“Let’s be honest, using the same login everywhere is basically leaving your digital front door open,” is called foreness. “Avoid simple pin like 1234 or birth dates. This makes the thieves difficult to reach your phone, even if they type it. Never use your phone and apps, especially for banking, use the same passcode for banking. If a thief unlocles your phone, can provide full access to reusable pins.”
5. Close access to an iPhone control center
The control center on an iPhone provides easy admission to major features and controls. For this reason, you should stop access to this screen when your device is locked. On your iPhone, go to Settings and select face ID and passcode.
Also: How to open your iPhone control center without swipe from the top: 4 easy ways
Swipe in sections on “allow access to” lock when locked “and close the switch to the control center.
6. Back up your device
You can always replace a stolen phone with a new device. But until you have backup, you cannot change photos, files or other important information on it. For that reason, make sure that you return your phone and all its content regularly. You can easily return your iPhone or Android phone with all your data and then recover it if necessary.
“Your more funded memories can be easily recovered in case of stolen phone,” is called foreness. “After all, nowadays the device is just a ‘container’ of our data. Make sure your images, documents, etc. are properly supported.”
7. Protect your physical space
Finally, you want to avoid the theft of your phone naturally for the first time. This means that you need to protect it in public areas, especially in crowded places.
“Always be publicly vigilant, especially in crowds or high -risk areas,” called foreness. “Keep your phone out visually if not in use. Use an anti-spy screen so that people around you can easily see what you are doing. Also, consider using. An anti -theft case with a chain or metal lanyard To prevent quick snatching. ,
Get top stories of morning with us in your inbox every day Tech Today Newsletter.
