The following report from ‘Global Rescue’ highlights a growing security issue related to modern smartphones. An issue identified by this editor years before this report.
I think many will have observed tourists (and some locals) walking about a large city with an oversized smartphone in hand and staring at the screen. Even when not in use the phone is too large to fit in a pocket (if there was a pocket!).
This scenario presents at ideal opportunity for an old-time snatch thief who has adapted their craft to the modern world. In the past such thieves would look for handbags and cameras, which were often held on to by easily broken straps. As in the past today they will target a female firstly as they are considered easier targets. Sad, but its reality. This editors only personal experience of snatch thieves (1st in Lisbon and the 2ndin Seville) was due to me being distracted, with an activity and my wife was targeted! Goodbye to two sets of Nikon SLR camera gear and top line Swiss army pocketknives, plus good daypacks! During my tour leader days in Europe, despite my instructions to passengers on sensible safety, there were thefts from some passengers! As in the past today thieves favour a city underground transport systems.
A recent business trip to China introduced this writer to the digital wallet concept with Alipay. In addition, I delinked bank accounts from my bank App – only showed one account with very small balance. I already knew of people who travelled regularly with a ‘burner phone’, something I am personally considering as we venture off for some personal overseas travel in a month’s time. There is still a place for a traditional wallet in a secure pocket containing a debit card and local cash! Likewise, there is still a place for a printed map and some intuition:)
Report…………..
In an alarming trend, many travellers fall victim to smartphone theft abroad. According to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, nearly one in five travellers report losing their devices to theft, underscoring the growing threat of opportunistic criminals. However, seasoned travellers—who have logged extensive miles and experience—appear far less susceptible, with fewer than 5% encountering such incidents. Their secret? Adopting proactive measures to secure their devices.
A CRITICAL ASSET AT RISK
For today’s travellers, a smartphone is more than just a gadget—it is a lifeline to navigation, communication, and financial access. Losing it can disrupt plans, expose sensitive information, and lead to severe security risks.
“When traveling, your smartphone is more than just a device—it’s a necessity. Protect it, because losing it could mean losing control over your plans, finances, and security,” warns Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and Associate Director of Security for Global Rescue.
STRATEGIES FOR SAFEGUARDING SMARTPHONES
With smartphone snatching incidents on the rise, savvy travellers are turning to practical yet effective security methods:
✅ Keep Your Phone Hidden in Public (43%) – Avoid flashing your device in crowded areas. If necessary, step indoors or use a secure location.
✅ Use Biometric Locks or Complex Passwords (25%) – Face ID, fingerprints, and strong passwords make unauthorized access more difficult.
✅ Enable ‘Find My Device’ & Remote Wipe (9%) – This feature allows travellers to locate or erase their phone’s data in case of theft.
✅ Lock SIM Card (4%) – Prevent thieves from using your SIM for fraudulent activities.
✅ Avoid Storing Essentials in Phone Wallet Attachments – “Never store your cash, ID, or credit cards in a phone wallet attachment. If your phone is lost or stolen, you lose everything at once,” Bush cautions.
UNDERUTILIZED BUT EFFECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES
Surprisingly, some highly effective protective strategies remain underused:
📌 Installing Anti-Theft Software, Encrypting Data, and Using a Phone Leash (3%) – These tools add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
📌 Using a Burner (Throwaway) Phone (2%) – Ideal for travellers in high-risk areas, reducing the risk of exposing sensitive data.
📌 Removing Banking & Shopping Apps (1%) – Minimizes financial risk if the phone falls into the wrong hands.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF SMARTPHONE THEFT
Smartphones house a treasure trove of personal and financial information. When stolen, criminals can access banking apps, email accounts, social media profiles, and even two-factor authentication systems, which can result in identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and fraudulent activities.
“Think about consequence management—if your phone is linked to two-factor authentication for email and financial accounts, losing it could lock you out of those essential services,” Bush explains.
PROACTIVE TRAVEL SECURITY: A MUST IN 2025
As cyber threats and physical security risks evolve, protecting digital assets has become as crucial as safeguarding passports and wallets. Travellers must adopt a multi-layered defence strategy to keep their smartphones—and personal data—out of the hands of criminals.
By staying vigilant and implementing these expert-recommended precautions, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to smartphone theft, ensuring a safer and more secure journey abroad.
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