![]() Always protect your mobile devices with a PIN or passcode. When using your mobile devices in public try to be more aware of what and who is around you, avoid bringing out your device in certain places, and keep a tight grip on them when in crowded areas. Device theft is often a crime of opportunity and criminals are always looking for victims who are distracted. Until this proposed kill switch law or another is actually put into place, users must take on the task of keeping their information private, protect their identity and finances, and making their phones as unappealing to thieves as possible.īelow are some ways that you can better protect your devices now: ![]() Remote locking and data wiping features are key for protecting personal information stored on mobile devices, but a larger initiative to dissuade mobile phone-related crimes is also crucial. Regardless of the arguments on either side, the fact is that device theft is a mounting safety issue that shows no signs of slowing down. Additionally, they warn that for this technology to be effective, it would also have to be reversible in the event of an error, which means that criminals could figure out how to undo the kill switch on stolen devices. ![]() Mainly, if all devices were made with this capability, there is the possibility that it could be used maliciously to disable devices for spite or targeting specific groups of users-like government employees. Some telecom industry groups like the CTIA (The Wireless Association) cite the potential risk for hackers to take advantage of kill switch technology. mobile phone carriers have been hesitant to embrace a kill switch requirement. However, despite the mounting pressure from law enforcement and government organizations, major U.S. officials have joined the kill switch effort so far, and this push comes on the heels of a surge in phone thefts coupled with the inability of other initiatives-like stolen phone blacklists-from stemming the tide. Apple has already added their own technology that mimics a kill switch to devices running on iOS 7, but users must choose to switch it on rather than the other way around. Last summer, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon and New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched a “Secure Our Smartphones” initiative, encouraging the mobile communications industry to adopt this technology in order to eliminate the incentives for criminals to target and sell stolen smartphones. With this challenge in mind, state and federal legislators have been coming together to push through a new initiative that would require mobile phone manufacturers to install a default smartphone kill switch-allowing users to disable functionality remotely. Most Android apps collect information, including wireless carriers, unique device ID, and global positioning system (GPS) data-so imagine if that information ended up in the hands of phone thieves! Our recent McAfee Mobile Security Report found that the apps on your phone also prove to be bountiful when it comes to information about you and your device. ![]() And notably, the desire for these stolen items is leading overseas where many devices and a large amount of data are ending up. Mobile device theft is becoming a huge problem, accounting for approximately 30% to 40% of all robberies in major cities nationwide. Device theft today not only puts users at risk for physical harm, but also puts their personal and digital identity in danger. The thought of losing one to the wild is enough to make your stomach drop. Aside from using smartphones to communicate with friends and family, find restaurants, and check email, they serve as repositories for more and more sensitive, personal information. There is no doubt that mobile devices are an integral part of our daily lives, making their potential loss all the more detrimental.
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