- Stay Alert in Public: Given the high rates of phone theft in South Africa, be extra cautious when using your phone in public. Consider using discreet headphones to avoid drawing attention and refrain from openly using your phone, especially during crowded commutes or in busy areas.
- Use Security Features: Enable security features such as PIN codes and fingerprint locks to protect your phone from unauthorized access. Install tracking apps like “Find My Device” to help locate your phone if it’s lost or stolen. Given that nearly 1 in 5 users are affected by phone theft, take advantage of Android’s new anti-theft measures.
- Backup Your Data: Regularly back up your important data, including contacts, photos, and documents, to the cloud. This ensures that even if your device is stolen, your personal information remains safe and can be retrieved.
- Remote Wipe & Insurance: Set up remote erase capabilities on your phone, so you can wipe your data remotely if it gets lost or stolen. Consider investing in phone insurance plans to cover theft or damage, and use a SIM card PIN lock to prevent SIM swap fraud.