Security is key to protecting against phone robbery

Latest security features could help save people from falling victim to mobile phone robberies.

We’re sharing some of the settings that could prevent thieves from gaining access to your phone in the event of a robbery.

We’ve seen a trend of criminals forcing people to sign out of their phone before it is taken, which then makes the phone and its contents accessible. However latest settings could stop that from happening in the future.

Here’s how:

Protecting your phone: The power of Two-Factor Authentication

In today’s digital world, smartphones are essential tools for your social life, learning, and entertainment. But with that convenience comes risk. One of the best ways to protect your a phone is by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) and setting up locks.

We have seen a rise in criminals trying to get robbery victims, particularly children, to log out of their accounts. If someone convinces your child to sign out of their cloud storage, they may gain access to personal information or tracking apps. But with 2FA, even if a criminal knows the password, they won’t be able to access the account without a second verification step – protecting both their information and location.

How 2FA protects your you and your loved ones

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second step, like a code sent to their phone, to verify their identity. This means no one can get into their accounts without your approval. If a criminal can’t bypass 2FA, they may give up as the phone becomes trackable.

Often these tools are referred to as parental controls, but they ultimately just connect a phone’s security settings to a second device, which could belong to a parent, partner, sibling or other close connection.

The main aim is for someone who is not there with the phone at the time of a crime being the person who has the final say in whether the account is logged out or not.

Preventing online abuse

Criminals often target people, including children, for online abuse or manipulation. With 2FA, you make it significantly harder for anyone to gain access to their accounts. It acts as a barrier against threats and helps you keep the phone and personal data secure.

Parental locks

In addition to 2FA, setting parental controls allows you to restrict access to inappropriate content and limit who can contact your child. These measures help maintain your child’s safety while giving them the digital freedom they need.

Talk to your child about security

The most important step is having an open conversation with your child. Explain why you’re setting up 2FA and parental locks, reassuring them that it’s to protect them from online criminals and unwanted access. The more they understand, the more likely they are to be proactive about their own safety.

Simple Security Steps:

1. Set up 2FA on all accounts (email, social media, cloud storage).
2. Enable parental controls to restrict inappropriate content.
3. Use strong passwords and biometric locks like Face ID.
4. Teach your child to recognise suspicious behaviour and encourage them to come to you if anything feels off.

By taking these steps, you help your loved ones stay safe in the digital world. Two-factor authentication and parental locks are simple but powerful tools to protect them from online threats and give you peace of mind.

Secure their phone today, and empower them to navigate the digital world safely.

For more advice on 2FA visit the National Cyber Security Centre here.

To report a crime to the police head to our reporting page. In an emergency, always call 999.

You can also report and get advice about fraud or cybercrime by calling 0300 123 2040