Your phone is you How to protect your device from ID theft TechRadar Skip to main content TechRadar is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Your phone is you How to protect your device from ID theft By Christian Cawley, Bryan M Wolfe last updated 24 June 2022 A stolen smartphone can give a criminal easy access to your digital life (Image credit: Shutterstock / ImYanis) Audio player loading… Every day you add more and more information to your phone. Each day, it becomes a more complete digital representation of you. Bank accounts, the PayPal app, even password managers - they're all there, along with social media accounts, photos … the list goes on. The implication is clear. Your phone represents a massive risk to your privacy and your identity. Once stolen, a phone can be mined for data that can then be used to steal your identity, making you a victim of ID fraud. (opens in new tab) A Techradar Choice for Best Identity Theft Protection (opens in new tab) Aura is an excellent choice thanks to its user friendly interface, antivirus service and detailed reporting dashboard. Save up to 50% (opens in new tab) with a special Techradar discount. View Deal (opens in new tab)Protect your devices online with the best antivirus softwareThese are the best mobile VPN apps aroundWe've also put together a list of the best password managers Protect your smartphone from theft The first step in minimizing identity theft via your smartphone is to make it difficult to steal. To begin with, don't leave a phone on view in your car. Instead, use a glove compartment or slip it under a seat. Then, if the phone is out of sight, it isn't a target. The same goes for any device storing personal, identifiable data. On the street, keep your phone out of view. Don't wave it around; secure it in the inside pocket of your coat. Otherwise, keep it in a secure pouch in your bag, worn securely. Use hands-free Bluetooth earpods to avoid removing the phone to make or receive calls. You should also be aware of the tactics of street criminals when it comes to stealing phones. They have various tactics to ingratiate themselves into your personal space and help themselves to your belongings. Key examples: They ask you for the time. While your initial reaction would be to pull out your phone to check, this puts it at risk. So instead, identify a clock you see from your location or keep moving without responding. You're accosted in a crowded place. This can happen without even realizing it. A key example is a moment on a tube train when people enter and exit, dozens pushing past you all at once. It's a prime opportunity, so keep your phone out of view. While many of these practices are completely obvious, it is crucial to keep them in mind. (Image credit: KAUST) Protect your smartphone secrets Next, you must ensure that if your phone is stolen, it doesn't reveal anything that an identity thief can use. Various tools and apps can ensure your phone doesn't spill your secrets. 1. Encrypt your phone Use your phone's full disk encryption option to ensure that data cannot be accessed without the correct authentication. All mobile platforms have an encryption option, so take the time to find out how to activate this. Note that the data cannot be retrieved once encrypted if you forget the phone's password. 2. Secure authentication Most phones offer facial recognition, a thumbprint scanner, or the option to enter a secure password. Avoid four-digit PINs and shapes, as these leave a grease mark on the screen, which can be used to crack the code. For convenience and reliability, fingerprint or thumbprint security has proved to be the most effective. 3. Use an app-locking tool If your phone is stolen and access gained, some apps (such as contacts, email, cloud drives, and social networks) will spill your secrets as soon as they're launched. You can set individual passwords for sensitive apps with an app lock installed. You've probably realized that this might prove inconvenient in some scenarios, but overall, it is a good security option. 4. Install an anti-theft app Tools that detect a change in circumstance can initiate an anti-theft alarm. For example, if a phone is taken off charge, moved, or the SIM card changed without authorization can trigger an alarm. Such apps typically feature the option to disarm the alarm or even send it silently, advising a nominated contact (or all of them) that the phone has been stolen. 5. Find and wipe a stolen phone Find My Device on Android and Find My for iPhone can be used to wipe a stolen phone remotely. Apps like Cerberus and Prey can also do this and photograph the perpetrator using the phone's camera. You can destroy the data remotely via a web app if your phone is stolen. All these tools can be used to protect your phone from unauthorized access. If you're reluctant to use any of them, at least use disk encryption and your platform's phone discovery service. Be aware of phone account identity theft A whole other type of identity theft surrounds mobile phone use. Phone account identity theft occurs when a cell phone is bought in your name without your knowledge. You might have been a victim of this, or your address might have been used with another person's name. This is a common tactic to take advantage of a superior credit rating and acquire finance to buy a phone. Phone account fraud happens by stealing a victim's identity in one of two ways:Dark Web sites with databases full of stolen account details are visited, details bought, then used to buy a phone, with the bills all charged to the victim.Phishing can be employed to trick the victim into divulging personal details required to open an account. These are then taken to a smartphone retailer, accompanied by a fake ID and a phone bought. This type of identity theft you should be able to spot quickly. When the account statement arrives, get in touch with the mobile phone network and report the contract as fraudulent. (Image credit: Pexels) Shield your identity from theft - secure your phone With so much of your personal information in your pocket, it makes sense to understand the risks and take precautions to secure your phone. By now, it should be obvious: that protecting your phone is a crucial step in the fight against identity theft. So follow these steps to ensure it never leaves your sight, remains utterly secure from unauthorized access and doesn't leak your data to identity thieves.We've also highlighted the best identity theft protection Christian CawleyChristian Cawley is the editor responsible for Linux, Security, Programming, and DIY content at MakeUseOf.com, where he also regularly contribute articles and video reviews. With over 10 years' experience writing in the consumer electronics, IT and entertainment media, Christian has been fortunate to work with some of the best websites and print publications in these fields. See more Computing news Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to theTechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Thank you for signing up to TechRadar. You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. 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