Physical device security and hardware

We all know how annoying it is to lose a phone, get it stolen or simply drop it on the ground and get its screen broken to a level the device becomes unusable. The issue is usually not considered as important until it happens. In order to avoid all sorts of damage to a device.

Speaking about physical security, we assume that any device might suffer from physical damage of falling, hardware failure, water damage or might be lost or stolen. 


We compiled a list of ways and solutions how losses might be avoided by using simple security of a physical device techniques:

  1. Password or encryption. Avoid losing information due to theft attempts. Use a strong password, fingerprint or other biometric data to protect access to your device, both mobile phone and desktop. Avoid using the same password everywhere and password lock or encrypt important files. Enable built-in or installed tracking software that some vendors provide to be able to track your device using location services, even if it is locked when lost or stolen.
  2. Backup. Always backup important files, store them in CDs or memory sticks or even in 3rd party cloud storage. 
  3. Common sense. Don’t tempt thieves with unattended mobile devices, particularly in public places. Do not leave your laptop bag in the car, unattended in a cafe, airport or other public places. 
  4. Updates. Keep your software and devices up to date, install updates to the operating system when prompted.
  1. Act quickly. Depending on the situation, if the device is lost, do not panic, start by changing your password to the most important systems, inform your supervisor or IT if the business device was lost and if necessary inform the police. 
  2. If you are selling an old device, a phone, tablet or a computer, make sure all your personal information is permanently deleted from the hard drive or memory of the device. You can use special software such as Eraser, File shredder or WipeFile or other similar tools.