Lost PDA and Identity Theft

Personal digital assistant (PDA) is a staple of modern life. We all love it. It helps us do a whole range of things, but when it is lost we are doomed. All our data, contact, notes, appointment, and to-do lists are lost with it, and with it is lost our mental balance. And the realization that our data may be used by identity thieves adds up to the trouble.

The question is how to keep your data safe on PDA devices?

Let me break the bad news, none of the mobile phone maker of PDA maker has any concern for your personal data which you hold so dearly. Therefore, it will be your duty to protect your own data. In this article, I am going to share some tips that will help you keep your personal information safe even when you lose your PDA.

• Your first step after losing your PDA should be to call your mobile service provider to report the loss and block your SIM card (connection).
• Then go to local police station to report the loss, and also mention about your concern about misuse of your personal data including phone numbers. This will save you from getting involved in unwanted situations.
• Change all your passwords, and drop a mail or broadcast the loss of device using update your Facebook, LinkedIn, and twitter status to everyone whom you know.

Precautionary measure

The above written steps may save you from further embarrassment and trouble due to lost information, but it will not save your data. If you want to save your personal information from going into wrong hands, you need to follow following steps.

• Never store credit card information on your PDA. You will regret once your device is lost. Do not be too sure, anyone can lose his PDA.
• Lock your PDA with a PIN number and PIN2 number.
• Password protect your PDA for SIM change.
• Your device should ask for a password when it is boots up (turns on), and it should not be anybody’s guess.
• Invest in a vault application (digital safe) or encryption software to store your personal data on your PDA. Lock the vault using a strong password.
• Exit from your vault as soon as you are done working with it.
• Take a periodic backup of all your data, and keep one copy on the Internet in a secure place. Always keep the backup of your personal data on secure server.

None of the steps I suggested above are optional. You will have to follow each one of them, if you want to keep your data secure on your PDA.