Protecting Your Digital Life: Lost or Stolen Phone Action Plan

Preventive Measures (Do These Now!)

1. Lock Down Your Device
   • Require a password or biometric scan to unlock
   • Add security to important apps (banking, professional tools)
   • Turn on “Find My Device” (iOS, Android, or Samsung’s SmartThings Find)
2. Backup Your Data
   • Use cloud services (Google, Apple, or professional-grade options)
   • Consider external backups for sensitive valuation data
3. Enhance Privacy
   • Turn off message previews in notifications
   • Use “Private Spaces” feature on Android to hide sensitive files
4. Enable Advanced Security Features
   • iPhone: Turn on “Stolen Device Protection”
   • Android: Activate AI-powered theft detection
5. Record Your IMEI Number
   • Dial *#06# on your keypad
   • Store this number securely, separate from your phone

Immediate Actions If Your Phone Is Missing

1. Call Your Phone
   • If answered, explain the situation
   • Leave a callback number on voicemail
2. Track Your Device
   • iPhone: Visit iCloud.com/find
   • Android: Go to www.google.com/android/find
   • Samsung: Use SmartThings Find service
3. Activate Lost Mode
   • Lock the device remotely
   • Display a message with contact information
   • iOS: Apple Pay cards and passes will be suspended
4. Alert Your Carrier
   • Report the phone as lost or stolen
   • Request a hold on your account
5. Notify Relevant Parties
   • File a police report (provide IMEI number)
   • Contact your insurance company
   • Inform your employer and clients of potential data exposure
   • Alert your bank to watch for suspicious transactions

Data Protection Steps

1. Change Critical Passwords
   • Email accounts
   • Financial and professional applications
   • Client portals and valuation software
   • Social media accounts
2. Secure Your Accounts
   • Enable two-factor authentication where possible
   • Use an authenticator app on another device
   • Log out of all accounts accessible on the phone
   • Remove the lost phone from your list of trusted devices
3. Review Recent Activity
   • Check for unauthorized transactions
   • Look for password reset notifications

If Your Phone Isn’t Recovered

1. Remote Erase
   • Use Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager
   • Note: This will only occur when the phone is next online
   • Be aware that SD cards in Android phones might not be erased
2. Inform Clients and Colleagues
   • Follow your firm’s incident response plan
   • Be transparent about potential data exposure

Remember

• Don’t confront a thief yourself – contact the police
• Act quickly to protect your personal and professional data
• Regularly update your security measures

Important Resources

• Your carrier’s lost phone hotline: [Insert Number]
• Find My iPhone: www.icloud.com/find
• Android Device Manager: www.google.com/android/find
• Local police non-emergency number: [Insert Number]
• [Your Professional Organization]’s cybersecurity resources: [Insert URL]