Samsung has teamed up with Verizon and U.S. Cellular to introduce anti-theft features in its upcoming flagship Samsung Galaxy S5, which will come pre-installed in the smartphone out of the box.
The features include Find My Mobile and Reactivation Lock, which will be activated by users and are available in Verizon and US Cellular devices.
Find My Mobile
Find My Mobile is a web service similar to Find My iPhone, and lets users locate their device, wipe it, and alert the owner of the device once a different SIM is inserted. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where the phone is lost or stolen. By logging into the Find My Mobile website, users can track the real-time location of their device on a map. Additionally, the service allows users to ring their phone at maximum volume, even if it is set to silent mode, making it easier to find if it is misplaced nearby.
Moreover, Find My Mobile offers the ability to lock the screen remotely, preventing unauthorized access to personal data. Users can also display a custom message on the lock screen, such as contact information, to facilitate the return of the device. The remote wipe feature ensures that all personal data can be erased if the phone is deemed unrecoverable, protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
Reactivation Lock
On the other hand, “Reactivation Lock” prevents any other user, except the owner of the device, from resetting the phone to its factory state, which is pretty handy too. It also prompts the user to log in even after a successful reset. This feature is designed to deter thieves by making it difficult to repurpose the stolen device. When Reactivation Lock is enabled, the phone requires the owner’s Samsung account credentials to perform a factory reset or reactivation, rendering the device useless to anyone who does not have this information.
Reactivation Lock also integrates with Samsung’s Knox security platform, providing an additional layer of protection. Knox ensures that the device’s firmware and operating system are secure, preventing tampering and unauthorized modifications. This makes the Samsung Galaxy S5 a robust choice for users who prioritize security and data protection.
These are pretty decent services, which should be activated as soon as the user receives the Samsung Galaxy S5. In other cases, there are also apps, even the services can be downloaded from the Google Play store as well, and activated separately. For instance, third-party apps like Cerberus and Prey offer similar functionalities and can be used as alternatives or supplements to Samsung’s built-in features.
In any case, I always recommend readers to take their safety very seriously, and make sure to take all the necessary precautions. This includes setting up strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly backing up important data. Additionally, users should be cautious about downloading apps from unknown sources and be aware of phishing attempts that could compromise their device’s security.
By leveraging the anti-theft features provided by Samsung, along with best practices for mobile security, users can significantly reduce the risk of losing their device and personal data. The collaboration between Samsung, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular highlights the importance of security in today’s mobile landscape and sets a precedent for other manufacturers to follow.
Source: CNET
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