If your iPhone is stolen, you will want to do everything possible to protect your data. Unfortunately, many people need to learn how to do this. This blog post will discuss five tips to help keep your data safe if your iPhone is stolen. We could bring up many more tips, but these five are essential for anyone concerned about their data security.
Tip 1 – Put a password on your SIM card.
This tip may seem a no-brainer, but many people need to do it. By putting a password on your SIM card, you prevent anyone from using it for phone calls or cellular data. When you restart your device or remove the SIM card, it will automatically lock with the password. To do this, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Step 2: Select Cellular or Mobile Data (depending on your version of iOS) and then SIM PIN.
Step 3: Turn on the SIM PIN and enter a password. If you haven’t used one before, use the default SIM PIN provided by your carrier.
You might be asked to enter a default PIN from your carrier if this is the first time you have used one. If you need to know your default PIN, try 0000 or 1234. It might seem obvious, but it works most of the time.
Tip 2 – Never set your phone number for account recovery.
Many services and social networks allow you to enter a phone number to be used in case of account recovery. However, if your phone is stolen and the thief has access to this number, they can quickly recover your accounts and gain access to sensitive information. Social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram often use SMS for account recovery, making it even more vulnerable. Instead, set up another type of confirmation or use a trusted family member’s phone number for account recovery. In the unfortunate event of having your phone stolen, this will prevent recovery notices from reaching the thief’s hands.
Tip 3 – Always enable two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a code and a password when logging in from a new device. This code is sent via text message or app notification and adds another barrier for anyone trying to break into your accounts. Many popular services such as Google, Facebook, and Apple offer two-factor authentication options, and it’s worth the extra effort to set it up.
On this page from Apple, you can find instructions for setting up two-factor authentication on your iCloud account. And remember to enable it on all of your other accounts as well.
Tip 4 – Don’t believe incoming messages.
As mentioned earlier, thieves may try to phish your login information by pretending to be from the police or Apple support and claiming that they have found your stolen iPhone. Please don’t fall for it! No legitimate organization will ask for login information via text message or email. Don’t click any links or respond with personal data if you receive a suspicious message. Instead, contact the supposed sender directly through their official website or customer service number to verify the message’s authenticity.
Tip 5 – Use a strong passcode, and don’t store passcodes in your notes.
You probably need to be made aware that your iPhone can be protected with a more robust passcode than just a 6 digit PIN, such as a numerical code with letters and symbols. To set this up, go to Settings, Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode if you have an older device), and Change Passcode. You can turn on the option to use a custom alphanumeric code.
And remember, never store your passwords or passcodes in your notes app or anywhere else on your phone where they could be accessed by someone who steals it. It might seem convenient, but it’s not worth the risk. Use a password manager app to keep track of your login information securely.
Goes without saying that, in the unfortunate event of your iPhone being stolen, to notify the police and filling a report. It’s also important to contact your carrier and have them deactivate the phone, preventing it from being used with a different SIM card. And remember to update all of your accounts with new passwords as well.
Stay safe out there!
