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Tips for Protecting Your Cell Phone Data
By Christina Mulberry
Cell phones are great little gadgets. They keep us constantly connected through voice calls and text messages. In many cases, they give us access to the internet, our favorite music, photos, videos, and much more. Millions of us are simply lost without them. This dependence makes their loss or theft even more unbearable. There's the cost of replacing them, the worry that someone will run up your bill, or worse yet, that some thief will steal important private information and misuse it. These are valid concerns. There are steps you can take however, to reduce the damage. For now, we will focus on the risks posed by the data you may have on your phone. Once it's out of your hands, you can feel helpless, and well you should. Most of the steps you can take to protect your cell phone data have to be taken prior to this unfortunate event. Here are the main options available to you: 1. Don't store sensitive or personal information on your phone.
Yes, you can just get a simple cell phone to make calls but if you pay for a smart phone, you probably want to make use of all of those features. The data you store on your phone is on the SIM card and accessible. Thus, this option doesn't work for most people. 2. Set up strong passwords at all points.
Think of your cell phone as your computer. For millions of people it literally is a replacement for a standalone computer. Strong passwords are what can stand between your data and the prying eyes of those who may lay their hands on this device. 3. Consider encryption and other security software.
GuardianEdge is just one example of a commercially available system for corporations. However, a search online will review numerable software packages for others. Text2Lock and Kaspersky Mobile Security are just two examples. Many such packages will lock your phone or delete information as well as back up your data. 4. Get the right phone.
Many of us would really prefer phones that can defend themselves. Luckily, this seems to be slowly occuring. Currently the iPhone offers the MobileMe service. It allows owners to identify the location of their missing iPhone on a map via the Find My iPhone feature. When nearby, the user can make it beep to help in retrieving it, but if not, they can lock the phone or delete data remotely. For now, the service comes with a $100/year fee. Another option is a Motorola phone with MotoBlur service. Similar to the iPhone service, users can locate their phone on a map and remotely eliminate data. Luckily data is backed up, and easy to retrieve on their website for future use. The Motorola Cliq is currently the primary option for getting this service. These really are the most reliable methods for protecting cell phone data, but clearly they require pre-planning, rather than just a reaction to the event of theft. |
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Good intel. My cellphone was stolen in 2006 and it really riled me because it had photos and clips of my 2-year-old son on it. The monetary loss didn't bother me much but the blatant invasion of my privacy by strangers - thieves, fences, etc looking at my family photos - did make me mad.  Since then I have been using low-end cellphones with almost no functionality except basic calling and texting. I may switch back to a fully loaded cellphone if I find one with ironclad protection. Will see if the MotoBlur is available here.
 | | nick Jan 4, 2010 07:16 | |
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Simplicity is the answer that works for me too.
Very timely intel Christina. Many thanks. With cell phones a popular Christmas gift, the uninitiated can be easy targets for the crooks. It's also a good time to point out another danger to be avoided. It's best explained using pictures which can be viewed at http://theinnerguru.com/warning.html Be SAFE in all that you do.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Whoa! Those pictures certain send a strong message.
I picked the simple phone with no data and threw my G1 Android phone in a drawer. If I need those high end features I fire up my NetBook where they actually work.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Simplicity suits me as well. I only need a phone to do one thing.
The newer versions with windows mobile OS, also have a backup and locate features. It is free from microsoft
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Great tips, thanks!
I worked for a wireless phone carrier for 12 years and learned way too much to tell here about phones, cloning, etc. Great article! Very insightful! I use a no frills phone now and try to keep all my information private.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
I hope you'll be sharing some info in your intels.
Great information Christina. Your website contains a lot of useful information for everyone.
Thanks for sharing.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks for stopping by!
The copyright for this content entitled "Tips for Protecting Your Cell Phone Data" has been specified by the contributor as:
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This content may not be copied, distributed or adapted by anyone under any circumstances.
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This intel was contributed by mulberry
mulberry
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