SPB Benelux’s Post

Having your phone stolen can be frustrating enough without the thief also hacking into your apps and draining your bank accounts. While you may still lose your phone or have it stolen, an iPhone feature aims to protect you from further troubles. Apple’s Stolen Device Protection makes it more difficult for an unauthorized user to access and change sensitive information like your passwords or Face ID. The feature — available with the iOS 17.3 software update — was announced late last year after a Wall Street Journal investigation revealed how thieves were taking advantage of iPhone users fairly simply. The update rolled out to users on Monday. Previously, scammers could obtain an iPhone user’s passcode or already-unlocked phone and turn off existing theft protections like Activation Lock and Lost Mode. Thieves were further able to use your existing passcode or update the Face ID to their own in order to take control of your phone, potentially including your banking and payment apps. Here’s how Stolen Device Protection aims to prevent that, and how you can activate it on your phone.

Amid ongoing and seemingly increasing incidences of fraud, it has been alarming to learn of a new wave of data theft of late. And it isn’t digital. I should be relieved but I’m not. What’s more, we’re not just dealing with physical theft but physical theft of mobile phones, the object of which is not the device – no longer the actual handset – but the data therein. And the way they’re going about it? Physically. Welcome to the new world of the physical data breach https://lnkd.in/dz4-anH3

The true cost of a stolen phone - Time to increase your "cyber" hygiene Phone theft is becoming a serious issue as #smartphones hold a treasure trove of personal #information. Criminal organizations target smartphones for their valuable #data, using sneaky tactics like "shoulder surfing" and covert filming to crack passcodes and access sensitive information. Stolen phones are often sold on the black market, fueling a larger web of criminal activity. This not only leads to more thefts but also facilitates widespread financial #fraud. It's crucial for individuals to safeguard their phones and personal data to avoid falling prey to phone theft and its potential repercussions. Improving your "#cyber hygiene" is a key step in this direction. Research shows that many people use the same PIN for their phone, apps, services, and bank cards, making it a cakewalk for thieves. And storing multiple bank cards and your driver's license in your phone case? That's practically a gift to them. Connecting the dots between these issues can help focus resources and efforts from tech, telecoms, and financial industries on combating phone theft. It's time to raise awareness and take action against this growing problem. https://lnkd.in/ekdihaHH #Loquat #creditunions #banks

Android 15’s new AI-powered theft protection aims to secure billions of devices globally. 🔒📱   With smartphone theft on the rise, Google reports 97 phones stolen every hour in Brazil alone. To counter this, Android 15 introduces innovative features like the Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to recognize suspicious activity and instantly lock devices. This feature, compatible with Android 10 and above, is part of Android’s broader push to protect 90% of active devices worldwide.   Additionally, the Offline Device Lock function prevents stolen phones taken offline from being accessed. These measures ensure thieves cannot bypass security by disconnecting devices. Enhanced remote control features in Find My Device also enable users to secure their devices swiftly, even if they don’t remember their Google credentials.   Android 15’s latest updates go further, demanding authentication (PIN, password, or biometrics) for crucial actions such as accessing Find My Device or performing factory resets. A new feature called Identity Check will soon provide an extra security layer by requiring biometric verification for sensitive Google account settings.   As these protections roll out globally, Android emphasizes its commitment to collaboration with partners, ensuring user safety and effective device security.   #AndroidSecurity #SmartphoneTheft #AI #MobileSecurity #Google #TechUpdate #DeviceProtection #Innovation 🔐📲

"Sim Card Theft is On the Rise And It Is Posing Greater Threats Than Ever" 🙅♂️ Do not panic. 🔵 We know how to prevent such threats. #PayConfirm utilizes advanced device recognition technology to identify and authenticate the devices you regularly use. If a sudden change or a new device attempts to access your account following a SIM swap, PayConfirm's system triggers alerts and additional verification steps, thwarting potential unauthorized access. By combining biometric authentication, device recognition, real-time monitoring, and 2FA, PayConfirm empowers individuals and businesses to take control of their digital security and enjoy peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world. #2FA #nofraud #authentication https://lnkd.in/eJKCP_rn

Unveiling the Mechanics of Offline Data Theft: How Your Information Can Be Compromised Beyond the Digital Realm https://lnkd.in/gpJjB9Tx In an increasingly digital world, where concerns about online data security are rampant, it’s easy to overlook the vulnerabilities that exist offline. While much attention is rightfully directed towards protecting data in the virtual space, offline data theft remains a significant threat that can be just as insidious and damaging. Understanding how data steal occurs offline is essential for safeguarding personal and sensitive information comprehensively. 1. Physical Theft and Tampering: One of the most straightforward methods of offline data theft is physical theft or tampering with devices that store personal data. This includes stealing laptops, smartphones, external hard drives, or […]

Unveiling the Mechanics of Offline Data Theft: How Your Information Can Be Compromised Beyond the Digital Realm https://lnkd.in/gg5a4HtU In an increasingly digital world, where concerns about online data security are rampant, it’s easy to overlook the vulnerabilities that exist offline. While much attention is rightfully directed towards protecting data in the virtual space, offline data theft remains a significant threat that can be just as insidious and damaging. Understanding how data steal occurs offline is essential for safeguarding personal and sensitive information comprehensively. 1. Physical Theft and Tampering: One of the most straightforward methods of offline data theft is physical theft or tampering with devices that store personal data. This includes stealing laptops, smartphones, external hard drives, or […]

#rodrigozepeda #theft #smartphones #London #shouldersurfing #safetyrecommendations In recent times smartphone theft has surged, especially in London where masked individuals on bikes and e-bikes are now regularly targeting and attacking unsuspecting individuals carrying or using smartphones from behind (in London a phone is now stolen every 10 minutes). This provides criminals with access to unlocked phones (i.e., to carry out banking or identity theft and fraud). Criminal gangs in London have realised that (unlocked) phone theft can provide them with lucrative revenue streams. The problem is that most people tend to operate extremely bad smartphone practices. That is, they employ long screen lock timeouts (3-5 minutes), they keep ALL digital applications (Apps) on a single smartphone (i.e., including banking and finance (B&F) Apps), they do not regularly back up their smartphone data, they have not set up remote wipe capabilities, and they have not password protected microSD memory cards. KEY RECOMMENDATIONS ◾ Use strong phone lock passwords (e.g., long alphanumeric sequences) - four digit phone PINs are easy to discretely observe or film from close by. ◾ Regularly change phone lock passwords (i.e., every 2-4 weeks). ◾ Ensure screen lock timeouts are enabled. ◾ Set screen lock timeouts to the minimum setting (e.g., 15, 30, 60 seconds). ◾ Keep all B&F Apps on a different smartphone (this provides the strongest level of protection). ◾ You should NEVER keep crypto Apps on the same smartphone. They will be the first ones to be targeted by criminals, and if accessed, any funds stored in crypto accounts will be permanently lost (i.e., bank consumer protections do not apply). ◾ If operating two smartphones is impossible, you should set up a different smartphone profile that is password secured to access B&F Apps (i.e., this profile cannot be accessed even if your unlocked phone is stolen). ◾ Register and set up your phone on remote wipe software. ◾ If you use an SD card in your phone make sure it has been password protected (i.e., if it is removed from the phone it cannot be accessed). ◾ Try to avoid walking and using/talking on your phone in crowded areas. ◾ If in London WESTMINSTER, NEVER walk and talk in crowded areas (more than one third of phone offences have taken place in London Westminster). ◾ If walking and listening to music with headphones, do NOT carry your smartphone in your hand (you will be a prime target for bike criminals). ◾ Make sure you can access B&F accounts quickly and separately online, so you can rapidly change passwords (to avoid criminals locking you out from your own accounts). ◾ Make sure you have noted down your phone's 'IMEI' number (unique 15-digit serial number) to block a phone that has been stolen. ARTICLE Financial Times: https://lnkd.in/gC4QBtGD. If you find my posts interesting or useful please feel free to Follow Me on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/esgbeWmy. Thanks.

Our smartphones contain more than just address books, family pics, and social media logins. Increasingly, they also hold – or at least grant access to – our life savings. Fraud and cybercrime expert Jonathan Frost examines the hidden inconvenience of mobile-device theft in a new post on our blog: https://okt.to/CLWsOl #FinancialCrime #DigitalBanking #RiskManagement

Did you know a phone is stolen every 10 minutes in the London? I am guilty of walking around london with my phone in my hand at times and with the increasing reports of phone theft I wanted to share this. From the article… London is the epicentre for phone theft. Many people never report this crime, but based on Metropolitan Police data from those who have, a phone is stolen every 10 minutes in the city. There was a 33 per cent increase in reported mobile phone theft from the person in the year to January 2024, and over one-third of offences took place in Westminster A locked handset could have a street value of a few hundred pounds if it’s a recent model, he says. But if unlocked, it could generate multiple thousands of pounds if criminals can get into the settings, change passwords and compromise other security features: “You’re locked out, and then they start to monetise your data.” Be careful with your mobile phones, ensure that you keep it out of sight when walking in London. #mobiles #tech #money #technology #safety