Identity theft risk higher in mobile phones

LONDON, UK: In reaction to recent reports, internet security company BullGuard has urged consumers to ensure that all private data stored on a mobile phone is deleted before it is sold or recycled, and warns that failing to do so could result in identity theft.

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According to a release, while modern consumers are quick to shred bills and bank statements, cover a PIN number when using a cash machine and cancel a credit card if it is lost or stolen, the same care isnt being taken over mobile devices that could contain similar data, it argues. Fraud prevention company CPP recently found that 54 per cent of second-hand mobile phones contain personal data such as text messages, emails and even bank details, following a recent study.

Associated research confirmed that 81 per cent of users believed that all personal data had been deleted before sale, suggesting that the mobile industry is failing consumers in educating them about the safeguards required when selling or recycling phones.

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Philip Dall, mobile security expert with BullGuard says Whatever the reason for selling or recycling a phone, one potential danger that seems to have eluded many is the fact that sensitive data such as contact information, passwords, bank details and more are stored on the device and if not properly deleted will then be accessible to the person who receives it. The increase in recycling or selling on an old mobile in order to purchase the latest model comes as no surprise, and there is no reason to think that the trend is transitory: With 55 per cent of games now being played on Smartphones (up 39 per cent from 2009, according to research by market favourites PopCap) for example, the desire for more advanced technology to handle the latest titles should see this development continue.

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