UAE authority warns: Storing private media on your smartphone puts you at risk

Dubai: Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has issued a reminder to residents to secure their personal information and stay away from cyber extortion. 

There are always newer smartphones coming in the market and people often trade in their older phone to buy the new one. But such a widespread habit is dangerous in the wrong hands. There’s a lot of personal and sensitive information, such as photos and videos, that old phones keep, and can get leaked to the wrong person. 

The ADJD has asked residents to backup or transfer data before resetting the device, and to remove all data, including private media, prior to selling the phone. 

The regulator also reminded people to secure their devices, and advised the public not to download untrusted apps or click on unknown links which may breach their data. 

Besides that, the ADJD also mentioned oversharing on social media and reminded residents to be wary of sharing personal information. They ask parents to monitor children online, lest they be exploited. 

Following these rules can keep residents protected from online extortion and cyber-stalking. 

How to lock your device and guard data: 

• Make sure you are using the electronic device you have like the mobile phone or the computer, and do not use unknown applications and hyperlinks. 

• Never post pornographic pictures and videos on social media. 

• Keep your private photos or videos away from your phone as they can be used if they are stolen. 

• Delete private photos and videos  

• When selling the cell phone, and close all accounts on the mobile phone. 

• Do not post personal details and important data on social media. 

• For your social networks and don’t give them to strangers. 

• Go to the security and privacy settings of every social media profiles. 

• Kids should be watched and supervised on social media by their parents, in order not to become an ex-cons. 

• Choose strong passwords  

• Change passwords regularly and don’t reuse the same password for different accounts or systems. 

Stay secure: Don’t store personal media on your phone to cut risks. Subscribe to Just Dubai for latest news!