Summer is holiday time – and peak season for lost or stolen smartphones. Many holidaymakers underestimate the serious consequences of losing a mobile phone. In addition to financial loss, there is a risk of identity theft, data espionage and even the loss of digital access to bank accounts, insurance policies, social networks or email services. Nevertheless, many holidaymakers do not secure their smartphones or do so inadequately, as a recent survey shows. eco – Association of the Internet Industry demonstrates how users can protect themselves from data theft on holiday in five simple steps.
The smartphone as a digital treasure chest
Modern mobile phones store far more than just photos and phone numbers. Whether it is banking apps, email accounts, digital vaccination certificates or essential travel documents, mobile phones have become universal companions. If they fall into the wrong hands, sensitive data can be misused, accounts plundered and online identities stolen.
“In the worst case, this can mean that strangers make expensive online purchases at the victims’ expense, empty bank accounts or apply for loans under false names. Access to work emails or company data can also pose a security risk for employers,” explains Prof Dr Norbert Pohlmann, eco Board Member for IT Security. The loss is particularly critical if no secure screen lock has been set up or two-factor authentication has not been activated.
eco warns: safety precautions often inadequate
According to a recent survey conducted by the market and opinion research institute YouGov on behalf of eco, around one third (27%) of Germans completely forego basic protective measures against loss or theft of their smartphones before going on holiday. Only 23% use location services such as “Find My Device” or “Find My iPhone”, and just 11% back up their data before travelling. Particularly concerning is that 30% of respondents would be unable to provide key information such as their IMEI number, access credentials or emergency contacts in the event of a loss, while a further 39% would first need to spend considerable time gathering these essential details.
“Many users underestimate how quickly a mobile phone can be lost or stolen – especially in busy holiday resorts or abroad,” says Pohlmann, adding: “An alarming number of people travel entirely unprotected. Yet losing a smartphone can have serious consequences – from emptied accounts and identity theft to unauthorised access to company data. Anyone wishing to be on the safe side should prepare their smartphone as carefully as their suitcase.”
How to get your smartphone ready for travel:
- Activate the lock screen: Set up a PIN, password or biometric security.
- Enable location services: Activate “Where is” or “Find My Device”.
- Create a cloud backup: To avoid losing photos, contacts and data.
- Check apps: Take only necessary applications – temporarily uninstall banking apps if needed.
- Use a password manager: Never save passwords in your browser.
Make a separate note of the following information:
- IMEI number of the device (for reporting to the police or blocking)
- Access credentials for remote location or blocking
- Contact details of your mobile phone provider
If your mobile phone is still missing:
- Lock and locate your device remotely
- Contact your mobile phone provider and have your SIM card blocked
- Report the loss to the police
- Secure your access details (email, banking, social media) via another device
The market and opinion research institute YouGov surveyed 2,012 people on behalf of eco – Association of the Internet Industry between 13 and 16 June 2022. The survey was quota-adjusted by age, gender and region, with the results subsequently weighted. The findings are representative of the resident population in Germany aged 18 and over.
