This is a festive time of year with many trips. It is also the likeliest time when mobile devices are lost in transit. AVG, revealed 35 percent of laptops and 38 percent of mobile phones are lost or stolen while in transit. Unfortunately, 82 percent of lost or stolen devices are never recovered.
Nowadays, calendars, contacts and photos are all stored on your phone which makes a lost or stolen phone a major loss and catastrophe. As a precaution you should always backup your data, media and other important information stored on your phone. You can also follow some simple tips.
AVG offered these important safety tips:
- Carry your device in a place you can easily check – and where you would notice immediately if it were to disappear. Whether lost or stolen, the key to keeping track of mobile devices is awareness. An overwhelming 78 percent of survey participants said they were either in a rush or distracted when their device went missing. Designate a specific place (such as an inside jacket pocket) where you always keep it. Secure the device in that spot upon leaving the house or office every time so that it becomes routine and the device can be easily located. More importantly, consumers should stay alert and be aware of surroundings when travelling, whether it’s the daily commute or the airport security line.
- Use a password! According to Lost in Transit, 61 percent of lost smartphones are not password protected, giving thieves easy access to all of a consumer’s personal information. Without exception, passwords should be mandatory operating procedure for smartphones, laptops, tablets and any other mobile device with valuable data.
- Spring for insurance. Consumers can further safeguard their lives by properly insuring their beloved gadgets.Most manufacturers and service providers offer easy methods to replace stolen devices and, for a nominal fee, offer exceptional peace of mind.
AVG also encourages consumers to consider downloading software specifically designed for the security risks associated with mobile device usage. For example, AVG Mobilation’s Free is easy to download and offers incredibly useful features such as Phone Locator, which uses Google Maps to identify a phone’s location if lost or stolen. A missing phone can also be remotely locked to protect it from outside access, and users can create a customized lock screen message with contact details to help facilitate a return. Consumers can remotely wipe their phones as well, ensuring total protection of personal information.
Though travelling during the holiday season can be chaotic, there’s no reason consumers can’t keep their mobile devices safe, secure and in their possession at all times. For more tips or to learn more about Lost in Transit, please visit www.AVG.com.