Learn how to protect your data from theft. Here's how!
Cell phone thefts and robberies are on the rise in Brazil. Last year, there were 508,300 cases of robbery and 498,000 cases of cell phone theft across the country, totaling over 1 million cases. This represents an increase of 16.6% compared to 2021.
The information is contained in the 7th Brazilian Public Security Yearbook, published last month by the Brazilian Public Security Forum. Given that this investigation considered only official data recorded by the State Department's Department of Public Security, the real number can be assumed to be higher. São Paulo is the 'leader' in this record, with 346.5 thousand smartphone thefts registered, an increase of 19% compared to 2021.
Measures taken
In this worrying situation, manufacturers, as recognized by industry leaders, must also work to contain this wave of crime. Cell phones come with a variety of security solutions that many people are unaware of. “That is why we seek to publicize them more and we understand that it is our social responsibility,” said Eduardo Santos, Director of Solutions for the Corporate Market at Samsung Brazil.
The expert said that the country has a criminal industry and that thieves often profit from vulnerabilities left in devices directly by users. There is also the fact that there are many people who do not even use a password to unlock their phones.
New forms of protection
With the increase in crimes involving one of the most essential electronic devices for any citizen, it is important to alert the public that it is possible to defend oneself against various types of crimes. Santos points out that in the case of Samsung, the security aspect is an indisputable element. Samsung currently accounts for over 50% of the market share in Brazil. That is why creating security solutions is a major concern for the company.
To further complicate matters, Samsung has released the Galaxy Padlock (or Galaxy Lock) in Brazil for a month. It is a remote blocking service dedicated to branded cell phones that deactivates banking applications, social networks, news and other applications that may reveal user data after theft, robbery or loss.
Targeting models manufactured after 2019, Galaxy Padlock is available for free only on the most popular phones, such as the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, and the entire S23 and S22 series. The rest will be charged R$ 39.90 for the 1-year warranty period and R$ 59.90 for the 2-year warranty period.
Behind the scenes of the project, a representative from the South Korean giant said that the Galaxy Lock is a Brazilian invention, translated for customers who prioritize security and are already in the corporate market. He said it was difficult to convince Samsung's headquarters in South Korea. That's because Samsung claims to have many other security technologies already available.
Other security solutions
In addition to the new Galaxy Padlock, Samsung is adding several layers of security to its devices. These include Secure Folder, which lets you password-protect your apps, and SmartThings Find, which lets you find all your Galaxy devices even when the internet is turned off.
Apple
Apple's iPhone has systems like Secret Folders and Security Checkup to show what you're sharing with whom. For example, users can decide whether they want to stop sharing information.
Cell phones and other Apple devices also have access to encryption through tools like the Vault, which helps protect information from unauthorized access. Stolen or lost devices can still be found on a map using the search engine. If Find My iPhone is disabled, users can visit this website to learn how to secure their Apple account.
Motorola
One of Motorola's main protections is the Moto Secure security center. Available on Android 13 devices, this feature allows you to activate Secure Folder, block Wi-Fi or 4G/5G networks, and more.
Xiaomi
By default, Xiaomi devices have the App Lock feature, which is essential to prevent unwanted people from accessing banking services, messengers, and other accounts. You can enable the lock in the settings.
In case of theft, robbery or loss, Mi Account will help you locate your device. In addition to emitting an audible signal, the “Find Device” also allows users to lock or delete all data saved on the phone. All functions are available by logging into the company’s website.
