Mobile security

Keeping your mobile secure

With easy access to emails, social media accounts and mobile banking apps, it’s more important than ever to keep the data on your device secure.

What can you do to keep safe?

Set up a password or PIN

Create a strong password or PIN to keep your device from being unlocked. Never use the same password twice and try to update it every few months.

Store passwords safely

Never store passwords or PINs in texts, emails, notes or on the cloud, unless it’s in an encrypted file. To safely organise them, consider getting a password manager.

Turn off Bluetooth when not in use

If your Bluetooth is on, it's easier for hackers to gain access to your device. Turn it off when not using it to stop unknown devices from finding your connection.

Don't modify your phone

Modifying or 'jailbreaking' your phone can increase the risk of infecting it with a virus or malware and can invalidate the manufacturing warranty.

Protect your device before it gets lost or stolen

Here are some quick tips and tricks to help you recover your device or keep your data safe, if the worst happens.

  • Keep a record of your IMEI number. This is a unique number that’s linked to your device and can be used to track it. You can find it on your phone’s box or packaging, but if you don’t have that, just type in *#06# to your device keypad.

  • Register your device on Immobilise. This is a free national register that helps police identify owners of recovered property. This means that if your phone is recovered, you’re more likely to get it back.

  • Regularly back up your device. This can be done automatically through iCloud on an Apple device or through a Google account on an Android. If our Device Guides don’t have instructions for your specific device, please check the manufacturer’s website instead. Alternatively, you can back up by connecting your device to your computer and copying your files there instead.

  • Turn on Find My Device, to give you more options if your phone gets lost or stolen. You’ll be able to use Find my Device to remotely lock your device. If you have an iPhone, you can also display a lost-and-found message on the lock screen, with your contact details, in case someone finds your phone.

  • Set up voicemail security. You can keep your voicemail secure by setting up a PIN to access your voicemail inbox.

Has your phone been lost or stolen?