Consider what would happen if you lost your mobile device, or worse still,
if it was stolen from you.Do you know how much, and what sort of,
information is contained upon it? Think for a moment, beyond any
sentimental value pictures and videos might hold and instead think
about the information itself.

Mobile devices are becoming ubiquitous information platforms storing information beyond simple telephone numbers and are expanding to include names, addresses, email contacts, social media details, photographs, videos and other information which could be used to identify you or those around you. It is not just direct text based information either as background information in photographs and videos may offer clues you might typically be unaware of – but in the wrong hands this information could be used to socially engineer against you.

Information that may be contained on your mobile device could lead to clues regarding your passwords, your online networking activities, your banking information, home address and contents of your home, your family and friends, whilst also directly identifying you and family members, and places you go regularly, through photographs and videos.

GPS tracking can also identify your exact home location – never flag a destination, landmark, favorite or position using something like “Our House” or “Home” – as this is an obvious clue to potential unwanted attention – instead use something a stranger could not necessarily relate to you.

There are the some common sense steps that you could do to safe guard your precious information. Firstly, you should regularly back up your data, software to do this is often included with the mobile device and simply needs installed, and you should regularly review the information contained upon your mobile device so you are aware of the sort, and amount, of information contained up on it.

In addition, and fortunately, there is now software available that allow you to take pro-active action in case your mobile device is lost. This sort of mobile protection software can offer a number of useful features from geo-locating your mobile device to help you, or the authorities, track it down but also you can send lock and wipe codes to your mobile device.

A lock code will typically freeze your mobile device rendering it unusable without a complete wipe or unlock code. A wipe code will erase masses of information that might otherwise have put you at risk. You can often specify the information to be removed and, in the case of a locked phone, it can usually be unlocked once you have recovered the phone.

Much of this mobile protection software can be tracked down quickly on the internet and is often offered for free – so just a few minutes of your time could make a huge difference to your personal safety.

Be proactive, and be safe, take action now to protect your confidential information.