Have you heard of Apple’s “Kill Switch”? If not, then you might want to look into it. This feature is the new theft deterrent system that will allow the owner of the device to remotely lock it and wipe it clean if ever lost or stolen. If I might say so myself… it’s about time!
In 2013, more than 3 million cellphones were stolen according to Consumer Reports. These days the average price of a premium phone is $585, not only making this an expensive loss but an attractive target for thieves as they can easily resell your stolen device.
A cellphone no longer is just an address book, it contains many aspects of a person’s life, ranging from photos, videos, social media access, banking information etc. So when the theft does occur it can cause many stresses to the victim on a variety of levels. According to IDG research 50% of phone theft victims would pay $500 to get their devices back, and 33% would pay up to $1000. If you think about it, that is a small price to pay to get your “life” back.
This feature is giving Apple device owners more comfort in knowing their personal data is protected from thieves. According to Reuters, the “Kill Switch” has greatly decreased iPhone thefts as thieves are finding the device useless. This feature is the new game changer when it comes to cellphone theft, putting the control back in the owners’ hands where it belongs.
Now to think about key management as part of your organization’s strategy, especially if using mobile devices. Having a data encryption solution with an industry-leading key management engine should be a priority for all businesses.
