Smartphone theft in the UK has more than doubled to 78,000 incidents in the past year, just as mobile payments are set to become the nation’s preferred transaction method.
With Data Privacy Week underway and Change Your Password Day (February 1) approaching, FinTech and mobile security platform, Nuke From Orbit is launching a nationwide campaign to combat the growing crisis of mobile theft.
UK neobanks have recently surpassed traditional banks in app downloads, with 71.78 million Android users. Yet, over 62% of phone theft victims suffer additional losses beyond their device. One in five victims face unauthorised access to their mobile banking apps, while one in four experience digital wallet theft.
Nuke From Orbit’s campaign, in partnership with ethical hacker Nikhil Rane, aims to arm consumers with practical knowledge to protect their devices and personal data from sophisticated theft tactics in the new world of ‘physical data theft’ where the device is not the target of bad actors but the data therein.
“More people are using mobile phones for their money management, which means convenience and, in some cases, improved financial responsibility. But thieves are exploiting this trend for the value these devices hold,” says James O’Sullivan, CEO and Founder of Nuke From Orbit. “Our goal is to empower people with simple, effective ways to protect their mobile devices and create new habits that secure their personal data as we kick off the new year.”
The Stark Reality of Smartphone Theft
Statistics from the Crime Survey for England and Wales reveal law enforcement’s growing challenges in tackling phone theft. Only 0.8% of “theft from the person” cases lead to a conviction, while 81.9% of investigations are closed without identifying suspects.
Nikhil Rane highlights the issue: “A stolen phone is far more than a missing gadget—it’s a gateway to your personal and financial information. Heightened awareness and proactive prevention are essential in combating this evolving threat.”
Essential Tips to Stay Safe
The campaign shares actionable advice to help consumers protect their devices and data, including:
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid easy-to-guess PINs and ensure all accounts have distinct passwords.
- Activate remote tracking and wiping: Ensure your phone can be tracked and wiped if stolen.
- Update security software: Regularly install updates to guard against new threats.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi: Unsecured networks are hotspots for cybercrime.
“Prevention is always better than recovery,” adds O’Sullivan. “By taking simple steps, consumers can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim.”
Resources for the Public
To maximise impact, Nuke From Orbit’s campaign offers a range of resources:
- Online guides: A dedicated webpage with comprehensive tips on device and data security.
- Video tutorials: A series featuring Nikhil Rane, demonstrating step-by-step measures to prevent theft.
With 2025 just beginning, Nuke From Orbit urges the public to take action now and adopt new habits to avoid becoming another statistic in the growing epidemic of smartphone theft.
