Sunday 23 March 2014

Stolen Mobile Phones , Things You Should Know

Stolen mobile phones

Regrettably, the theft of mobile phones is increasing with the rise in mobile phone usage in Australia. So what steps can you take to minimise the risk and inconvenience of having your mobile phone stolen?
The first step can be taken when you buy your mobile phone. Always ensure that you understand your contractual obligations if the phone is stolen. For example, if you signed a two year minimum term contract, you may be required to pay access charges for the remainder of the two years, even though you no longer have your mobile phone.
You may also choose to take out insurance to cover the theft of your mobile phone. You can enquire with your insurance company or your mobile phone supplier as to whether they offer insurance coverage for the theft of your phone. Again, make sure that you understand exactly what is covered by the insurance.
A feature of digital mobile phones is a removable Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. This SIM card identifies the account holder, in contrast to the mobile handset itself. When a phone is stolen, an unauthorised user may make fraudulent use of it in several ways, including, quickly making calls on the phone before you have had time to report it stolen or, exchanging the SIM card.
Many makes of mobile phones have security features built in by the manufacturer. You should consult your user handbook for information on these features. If your mobile phone has such features as, for example, a Personal Identification Number (PIN) lock, you may wish to consider using it to disable the phone which may prevent an unauthorised user from making calls.
Every digital mobile phone also has a unique International Mobile Equipment Identification (IMEI) number which is like an electronic "fingerprint" for the mobile handset itself. To find out what the IMEI for your phone is, dial *#06#. You should record the identification details for your phone.
When carrying a mobile phone, take the same care that you would with a credit card or any other valuable item. Do not leave the mobile phone unattended in a car or handbag and try to keep it on your person, rather than lying on a restaurant table or shop counter.
If your mobile phone is stolen, you should immediately report the theft to your mobile phone company, so that any future calls are not billed to your account. You should also report the theft to the police. Supplying your IMEI to your mobile phone company and to the police may assist in the recovery and identification of your mobile phone.

Thursday 6 March 2014

Apple refused grieving sons' request to unlock iPad that belonged to cancer victim mother because 'they need dead woman's written consent'

A grieving son has accused Apple of having an 'utter lack of understanding and discretion' after the company refused to unlock his dead mother’s iPad - and asked for written permission from her.
Josh Grant, 26, from London, became the co-executor of his mother Anthea Grant’s will and estate with his brother Patrick when she passed away from breast cancer, aged 59, earlier this year.
He said his mother enjoyed playing games on the iPad after her husband died in 2010 and said she liked its raft of new security measures since updating to iOS7.
However, when the brothers contacted Apple following their mother’s death on January 19, they were told they would need 'written permission' from their mother to access the account.
On his blog, named Mustn’t Grumble, Josh wrote: ‘Unfortunately in her dying days she didn’t think to tell us her Apple ID password. Funnily enough, I think she had bigger things to worry about.
‘Patrick and I were named co-executors of the will and found ourselves responsible for mum’s estate.
'A tiny piece of that estate is her iPad, which my brothers and I agreed could go to Patrick.
‘In order to clear mum’s account from the iPad and set Patrick’s up they have asked for written permission from mum.’
After reiterating to Apple that their mother had passed away, Josh said the tech giant asked to see copies of her death certificate, will and a letter from the family’s solicitor.

However, this was still not enough and the brothers were then told by the US firm to provide a court order to unlock the device, invoking the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
Josh, who said the court order could cost hundreds of pounds, was left disappointed with the way Apple handled the sensitive issue.
He blogged: ‘I have always been a fan of Apple but this incident has changed my opinion of them completely.
‘Their utter lack of understanding and discretion in a time of great personal sadness has been astonishing. For a company that sells itself on the idea we are all part of one big Apple family, they have been very cold.


'For a company that sells itself on the idea we are all part of one big Apple family, they have been very cold.'
Josh Grant
 
‘Understandably, my brother has given up and we now have a redundant iPad. If anyone has any suggestions for an unusable iPad please do send them in. I’ve suggested illuminated placemat and shiny paperweight.’
Apple said confusion surrounded the iPad because Patrick asked the firm to provide his mother's Apple ID password which can’t be released without a court order.
However, the company said the matter had since been resolved after it was confirmed he actually wanted to use the iPad for himself rather than access Apple ID protected files.
The tech giant said it was then able to turn off the Activation Lock security feature which only requires a copy of the death certificate and a legal document confirming the right to transfer the deceased's property.
The new iOS7 security measures are designed to protect users' online iCloud accounts which can be used to store personal information, documents and photographs.
In iCloud's terms and conditions, Apple warns: ‘You agree that your Account is non-transferable and that any rights to your Apple ID or Content within your Account terminate upon your death.
‘Upon receipt of a copy of a death certificate your Account may be terminated and all Content within your Account deleted.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2574697/Apple-refuses-grieving-sons-request-unlock-cancer-victim-mothers-iPad-tells-need-dead-womans-written-consent.html#ixzz2vE1PlVsA
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook