Why You Need to Protect Your Mobile Phone with a Passcode

The mobile phone is a tool we all use daily, and while it’s called a phone, it does far more than just make calls. In fact, most people don’t even use their mobile phone to make calls. As a communication device, text messages and email are the most common ways we communicate using the device.

It’s so much more. It’s how we go online. It’s how we make purchases. It’s how we access our financial information. It’s how we control things like our car audio and home security systems. We store personal details, photos and if the wrong hands got ahold of your phone they could do some serious damage that would create a complete mess in your life.

So, why don’t you have a passcode on your phone? Ok, so maybe you do, but if so, you are a rare exception. Most people don’t simply because they don’t want to take the 2 seconds it takes to tap it in every time you unlock the phone’s screen.

Let’s explain why it’s a mistake to avoid this security measure. At the end of this article I’m willing to bet you set up a passcode instantly.

Your Entire Life Can Be Accessed on Your Mobile Phone

Did you know that your phone tracks your location at all times? It also timestamps your images and videos, and in the wrong hands someone can easily find out where your house is, where your cars are and anything else that you have in your phone.

From there, they can dig deeper and even use apps like home security ones to unlock your home and unarm it, allowing them to rob you blind. “While the mobile phone makes our lives easier and more convenient, it also puts us in greater danger. It also makes it much easier for criminals to find out any information about you that they desire,” suggests the owner of National Pool Fences.

Sensitive Apps Don’t Always Require a New Login

Did you know that there are some apps out there that will keep you logged in? These apps also contain your personal information, like date of birth and billing address, which is likely your home address.

Also, some apps store your payment information and allow you to make purchases without having to enter your credit card details again. “So, if someone accesses your phone and opens the Amazon app, for example, they can make purchases and just ship them to a different address,” says Henk Schipper of Jaloezieen Fabriek.

Also, if you use Apple Pay your credit card information is stored within the app. If they have access to your phone they can use Apple Pay to buy anything they want in person until you discover what is going on and shut off the card. By then the damage is already done.

Images and Other Private Details Are Vulnerable

What about all of the pictures and videos you have stored in your phone. Someone that has access to your phone can quickly export them all. Do you want some stranger to have access to personal images of you and your family?

Who knows what they would do with that. There is more private information on your phone than you might be aware of. To be honest, if you knew just what is on your mobile device it might make you want to switch back to an old school flip phone.