10 Top Tips for Staying Safe With Your Device in Public

Over 60% of digital fraud now occurs on mobile devices¹; a figure that continues to rise as more people rely on smartphones and tablets for shopping, online banking and social media.

To avoid becoming part of this statistic, it's essential to prepare your device before using it and adopt smart security practices. These measures can help safeguard your personal information from theft or unauthorised access — whether through your device itself or your online accounts.

One iPhone led police to a gang that sent 40,000 snatched phones to China.² The number of phones stolen in London has almost tripled in the last four years (from 28,609 in 2020 to 80,588 in 2024) and three-quarters of all the phones stolen in the UK are now taken in London.³

1. Set up your device for security before you leave home
   Before you even step outside, make sure your phone or tablet is ready. Enable tracking features like Find My iPhone, Find My Device or SmartThingsFind so you can locate it if it’s lost or stolen. Back up your data to a secure cloud service — OneDrive, Google Cloud, iCloud or Dropbox — to avoid losing important Information.
   
   
2. Use strong passwords and passcodes
   Avoid predictable passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, use three random words or a password generator. Store them securely with a password manager like 1Password, NordPass or LastPass. Make sure your master password is especially strong.
   
   
3. Keep your apps updated and protected
   Enable automatic software updates to get the latest security patches. Install antivirus software to detect and remove threats. Hide sensitive apps like banking or email, and avoid storing passwords in notes apps as they’re not designed for secure storage.
   
   
4. Lock it down with biometrics and two-factor authentication
   Set up FaceID or fingerprint unlock for quick but secure access. Wherever possible, enable two-factor authentication on your accounts — it’s one of the simplest ways to prevent unauthorised access.
   
   
5. Control what’s visible on your lock screen
   Manage your notifications so sensitive information doesn’t pop up when your screen is locked. Adjust auto-lock settings to ensure your device locks quickly when not in use.
   
   
6. Be alert to your surroundings
   In public, shoulder surfers may try to read your screen. Shield your password, PIN or FaceID from view. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, stay alert and protect your device.
   
   
7. Use a VPN and privacy screen in public spaces
   When connecting to public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to encrypt your data. A privacy screen protector can help prevent others from viewing your screen. In crowded areas, consider using a phone lanyard to reduce the risk of theft.
   
   
8. Watch out for scams and suspicious messages
   Scammers often pressure you to act quickly — don’t give in. Treat unexpected messages or offers with suspicion. If you’re unsure, talk to someone you trust. You’re allowed to hang up or close a suspicious site at any time.
   
   
9. Protect your identity when signing up to online services in public
   Use disposable email services like TempMail, 10 Minute Mail or Maildrop for one-time verifications. Look for HTTPS and a padlock icon when shopping online. Never share your PINs or bank access, and don’t let other people touch your phone or set up payments from your account.
   
   
10. Be smart about social media and online connections
    Keep your accounts and personal data private, and don’t accept friend requests from strangers. Avoid buying from WhatsApp groups unless you know the seller. Blur or crop personal info from photos and never share intimate images with people you’ve just met.

Lock down your device immediately
Use remote tracking tools like Find My iPhone or Find My Device to lock or locate your phone. Disconnect from public Wi-Fi and turn off mobile data and Bluetooth to cut off access.

Change your passwords and alert your bank
Use a trusted device to change passwords for key accounts (email, banking, social media). Contact your bank or financial provider to freeze or monitor your accounts if needed.

Don’t engage — report and get help
Avoid responding to suspicious messages or calls. Report the incident to your mobile provider and at  actionfraud.police.uk. Talk to someone you trust for support and next steps.

If you would like to find out how we help businesses with fraud and identity solutions visit our TruValidate page.