Smartphone and Tablet Anti-theft: Why Equip Yourself?

There are two ways to secure your personal data on a smartphone or tablet: using either an external anti-theft device or a dedicated application. SFAM gives you its best advice to guarantee maximum security for your digital tools.

For those who do not wish to equip themselves with an anti-theft device for tablets or smartphones running on Android, it is still possible to use Android Device Manager. This Google service allows you to locate your smartphone in case of loss or theft, with simple manipulation. Once connected to the dedicated site, it is then possible to locate your mobile, to make it ring for several minutes (even if it is in silent mode), or to block it remotely. But you must first have activated this tool on your phone by going to Settings / Security / Device administrators / Android device manager. If so, you will be able to empty the phone's internal memory, but not the SD card. Simple, efficient, and free.

C-Safe, the External Anti-theft Device That Hangs Your Smartphone

But to secure a smartphone, nothing better than an external anti-theft device. The C-Safe smartphone lock, sold for around 20 euros on the internet, is an anti-theft and anti-fall system that targets those who are used to slipping their mobile carelessly into their jacket pocket. Attention danger!

But the C-Safe protects you with its two-part system that magnetizes securely together. It is indeed made up of a thin and discreet magnet, to stick behind your phone, and a hook to attach in your pocket. A fairly simple system since the magnet will immediately cling to the wall. To unhook it, you just have to push it down. An easily detectable gesture if someone dares to slip their hand into your pocket ... Note that the hook can be removed and attached at will, both in the pocket of a jacket or in a handbag.

Cerberus, a Recognized Anti-Theft Application For Smartphones

For those who would find this physical lock a little too restrictive, there are many applications to secure your phone in case of loss or theft. They will not discourage a thief from taking your smartphone, but they will block its use and keep your data secure.

One of the best known is Cerberus, a fairly comprehensive anti-theft application available for 5 euros per year. Concretely with it, you can fully control your smartphone remotely from the website www.cerberusapp.com and even by SMS.

> To better protect your smartphone, also follow the guide to place a tempered glass on your screen!

Personal data on the SD card can also be deleted

You can even check your SIM card and automatically receive an alert if someone tries to use your phone with another SIM card ... Obviously, the remote control also allows you to perform more traditional operations such as locating and tracking your phone, launching a loud audible alarm (even when the device is in silent mode), or even erase the internal memory or lock the mobile with a code.

The little extra compared to the Android Device Manager service, for example, is that it is also possible to erase all personal data contained in the SD card. So it's no coincidence that Cerberus is renowned as one of the best anti-theft smartphone apps.

> You have lost your phone and want to protect your personal data, SFAM gives you its best advice!

About ten anti-theft applications, free or not on the market

Otherwise, there are a dozen other anti-theft applications for tablets or smartphones, often free, but not always. Like Where's my droid, a free service that allows you to find your smartphone using its GPS coordinates, make it ring or vibrate, and even receive a notification in the event of a change of SIM or phone number and then send an SMS to the holder of your smartphone. This application, also available in a paid version (around 5 euros per year), allows in particular the remote erasure of the SD card, as well as the taking of pictures of the surroundings.

> You plan to go on vacation this summer, discover the best tips to protect your smartphone on the beach. 

Some also detect viruses or phishing sites

Features also offered by the anti-theft application for tablets and smartphones Droid Finder, which is even able to know if the thief of the smartphone is traveling by car, on two-wheelers, or on foot. Among the most commonly downloaded anti-theft applications, which often offer free and paid features, we can mention Watchdroid, anti-virus, and security (which also protects against viruses), mobile Complete security (which also detects cyber-threats or phishing sites).

As for Prey Anti Theft, it differentiates itself by its ability to act as an anti-theft device for three devices (tablets, smartphones, computers) with a single account.

> You want to improve the protection of your smartphone against viruses,