security issues during mobile phone repair.

ktj

Hi all,

My son's expensive LG smart phone has just died (typically just a few months out of guarantee).

We have been in touch with LG and have been given details of where he can send it to see if it can be repaired.

It was also suggested that we try a "factory reset", but his phone will not switch on so I don't see how we can try that.

As he has personal info. stored on his phone National Insurance no.; relatives names and birthdays etc. should I be concerned about the security implications of sending his phone away for repair.

Having very limited knowledge of smart phones and internet security, I would be very very grateful not only for advice regarding mobile phone repair, but as I have just got my first smart phone, I would also greatly appreciate any advice on how personal information can be safely stored on mobiles (and on laptops for that matter).

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can help. kje.

SteveJW

Have a look at Keepass,
http://keepass.info/
It does for my pc and laptop and there are various android and iphone applications that use the same database

pete-20-11

I presume it won't power on if plugged into the mains too?

Was there a password on the phone?

That will help slightly - as they'll have to factory reset the phone to repair and test it.

Obviously the password doesn't mean it is fully secure - unless encryption is also turned on.

However I would hope that a major manufacturer (and companies the major mobile carriers use) would have decent procedures in place for security and monitoring staff actions.

ktj

Hi again,

Thanks to both of you. Keepass looks interesting - I'll have to research it further.

With regard to

---

"I presume it won't power on if plugged into the mains too?" --

That's correct, so is it still possible for us to try to do a factory reset?

"Was there a password on the phone?"

Yes but only a weak one!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"That will help slightly - as they'll have to factory reset the phone to repair and test it.

Obviously the password doesn't mean it is fully secure - unless encryption is also turned on.

However I would hope that a major manufacturer (and companies the major mobile carriers use) would have decent procedures in place for security and monitoring staff actions."

One would hope so, but who knows???

Looks like our only option is to take the risk of sending it off for repair or just to dispose of the phone.

I would be very interested to hear what other people have done in our situation.

Many thanks for taking the trouble to try and help. kje.

takman

His National Insurance Number and relatives names and birthdays isn't exactly that sensitive information so I wouldn't be too worried about it. Just think of how many people know your birthday, relatives, work colleagues etc.

ktj

Hi again,

Thanks Takman for your reassurance, however I am concerned that he's got more sensitive info. on than he's admitting to.

Typical teenager !!!!!! kje.

Browntoa

are you sure they are actually stored on the phone and not backed up to Googles Drive ?


in which case theres no security issue

shaun_from_Africa

Another possibility is that the information may be stored on a memory card (if there is one installed in the phone).
If there is such a card, it might be worth taking this out and sticking it in a card reader or another device and seeing if it's possible to read the files on it.