What Should You Do to Reduce Risk When Your Mobile Device Goes Missing?

Smartphones and laptops store personal details like finances, passwords, photos, and videos. Losing one can feel overwhelming since we depend on these devices for both their functions and the important information they hold.

Our devices now store more personal information than almost anything else because of the digital traces we leave. Losing a device or having it stolen is a serious problem.

It's worrying to imagine someone accessing our personal data and cloud accounts. This highlights the need to protect not just the device, but also the sensitive information stored on it.

Nearly 70 million smartphones are lost each year, and only 7% are recovered. Workplace theft is common and accounts for over half of missing devices, so it's important to keep track of your phone.

If a company loses a laptop or smartphone, it can face serious problems like data privacy breaches or ransomware attacks. Protecting your business from these risks is essential.

In 2020, Lifespan Health System paid a $1,040,000 HIPAA fine. This was due to an unencrypted stolen laptop breach.

What to do right after your mobile device goes missing?

When critical devices go missing, speed is of the essence. Taking swift action within minutes can mean all the difference in protecting sensitive data from exposure – whether it be a personal or business device. Let's understand what happens when our device goes missing!

Our devices keep track of so much more than we realize

If someone gets your device, they can access a lot of information. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops store everything from personal details to financial information, making them valuable targets.

1. Documents

2. Photos & videos

3. Access to any logged-in app accounts on the device

4. Passwords stored in a browser

5. Cloud storage access through a syncing account

6. Emails

7. Text messages

8. Multi-factor authentication prompts that come via SMS

9. And more

If you've lost your device, try to stay calm.

With a lost mobile device, time is of the utmost importance. Make sure to take swift action in order to minimize potential threats to personal or business data security. The faster you act, the better chance at protecting yourself from damage!

When a device goes missing, acting fast is important.

Activate a “Lock My Device” Feature

Use a remote lock feature to protect your mobile devices and laptops. Also, turn on location services for extra security. These steps can help slow down thieves and keep your data safe.

What about “find my device"?

Don’t risk a potentially dangerous confrontation with thieves – if you lose your device, use the “find my device” feature to locate it without ever stepping foot outside.

Losing your device can be a nerve-wracking experience

If you use a device for work, tell your company immediately if it goes missing. Whether you check work emails or use management tools, following your employer's rules helps keep the company network safe.

Acting fast when your device goes missing is critical to safeguarding company data and protecting confidential information. Don’t wait; report the loss right away for maximum security!

Make sure your access to SaaS tools is secure

The modern world is full of convenience, as evidenced by the enormous number of commonly-used software tools accessible with just one login on our mobile devices. SaaS (Software as a Service) includes accounts for productivity and organization such as Microsoft 365, Trello, Salesforce and many more.

If one of your devices has gone missing, no worries! You can quickly remedy the situation by logging into your account through another device and heading over to its settings. Find the unauthorized gadget in question, log out from it immediately and consider revoking access so that any potential wrongdoers are kept at bay.

Secure your cloud storage with a few clicks!

To keep your data safe, disconnect your cloud accounts when you revoke access. Criminals could use the sync between your lost device and online storage, so stay alert and protect yourself from possible threats.

Hackers could unleash a powerful malware that turns your storage system into an infected wasteland, wiping out its contents forever. It gets worse; they can even factory reset devices to put them on the market again at the expense of all stored data in cloud accounts.

Activate a 'Wipe My Device' feature

Technology isn't always reliable, but backing up your devices helps keep your files safe. Protect yourself from future problems by having a solid backup plan.

If your device is lost or stolen, use a remote 'wipe my device' feature if it's available. This will erase all data from the hard drive and stop others from accessing your information.

Are your mobile devices secure?

As businesses use more mobile devices, it's important for companies of all sizes to stay secure. We can help protect your business with advanced endpoint security solutions. Contact us today for a free consultation.