Use security code to safeguard info

Nairobi; Kenya: Hundreds of mobile phones are stolen every day in cities and towns, and you may be surprised by the amount of personal information a thief can retrieve from your phone.

Thieves are getting bolder by the day; they use drugs to make you sleep as they help themselves to your phone and other personal effects including laptops and iPhones mostly in public service vehicles (PSVs).

Here are some practical measures you can take to keep your mobile phone safe:

Use the phone’s security code, this will make it hard for thieves to unlock it and steal your information.

Leaving your Bluetooth on can make it easy for people with malicious intentions to access your phone information even without stealing it thus make it a habit to switch it off after use.

Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people on your contact list as this can make it easy for thieves to get personal information or even demand money since no one will suspect the caller.

Keep your mobile phone or iPads out of sight when not in use, mostly when in public places or travelling in PSVs because the value of such gadgets could make you an easy target.

Do not give your mobile phone to strangers for any reason, even in an emergency situation.

Only unlock your phone when you need to use it, some spots in towns are notorious for snatchers who strike when your phone is unlocked.

Do not list your home line as 'home'; instead, save your contact details with fancy names such as 'White House' or 'Benz' to confuse a thief.

Report a lost or stolen phone to your service provider and the police immediately and insist on an acknowledgment.

Do not leave your cellphone unattended, anyone, even your trusted friend could pick some vital information that could end up in the wrong hands.