Halloween is on its way. But for mobile phone owners, the scariest thing isn’t a ghost or a ghoul... it’s the thought of losing your phone with all the precious data on it. So, let us help you avoid that nightmare, with this treat of an article…
And speaking of treats, we’re giving away a NINJA Swirl by CREAMi NC701UK 13-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Maker!
Whether you're heading to a costume party, trick-or-treating with the kids, or just enjoying a pumpkin spice latte in a coffee shop, your phone is your lifeline. That’s why we’ve brewed up a potent potion of 10 simple but powerful tips to protect it from real-world monsters, like thieves and hackers!
1. Dodge the pickpocketing poltergeists.
Let’s start with the basics. Keep your phone on you, and keep it secure.
Halloween crowds are a playground for pickpockets. That phone peeking out of your back pocket? That’s basically bait for a sneaky thief. And even if you’re using your phone and not aware of your surroundings, you’re at risk.
Top tip: When you're out and about, especially in busy areas or dimly lit venues, stash your phone in a zipped bag or a front pocket. Avoid placing it on tables or anywhere in view of strangers – thieves are always watching.
2. Give your phone a scarily good lock screen.
If someone does get hold of your phone, your lock screen is the gatekeeper. A strong passcode or biometric lock is your first line of defence. A simple "1234" or "0000"? That’s like leaving your front door wide open on Halloween night.
Top tip: Use at least a 6-digit PIN or go full wizard mode with an alphanumeric password. Better yet, enable Face ID or fingerprint unlock – it’s like a spell only you can break.
3. Summon a guardian (with the help of 2FA).
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is like putting a haunted moat around your accounts. Even if a sneak thief grabs your password, they won’t get far without your second authentication code – usually sent to your phone, or generated by an app like Google Authenticator.
Top tip: Turn on 2FA for your email, banking, shopping, and social media accounts. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
4. Know Your phone’s magic IMEI Number.
Every phone has its own unique 15-digit IMEI number – kind of like a digital signature.
If your phone ever disappears into the night, this number can help the police (and your network provider) block the device from being used.
Top tip: Dial *#06# to see your IMEI number instantly. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe (like that drawer where you store your chocolate stash).
5. Resurrect your data with a digital clone (backup!).
Imagine losing your phone and every photo, message, and contact with it. That’s a horror story you don’t want to hear. Backing up your phone regularly ensures that if something happens, you can resurrect your data on a new device, no séance required.
Top tip: Enable automatic backups with iCloud, Google One, or your preferred service. Think of it as creating a digital clone that lives safely in the cloud.
6. Exorcise evil bugs with software updates.
Software updates might seem like pesky reminders, but they’re actually pretty essential. These updates patch vulnerabilities and kick out digital demons that hackers exploit to sneak into your system.
Top tip: Don’t hit “Remind Me Later”! Install those updates promptly to keep your phone protected against the latest ghoulish threats.
7. Create a digital ghost with "Find My Device".
Find My iPhone (for iOS users) or Find My Device (for Android users) lets you see your phone’s last known location — and if it’s been stolen, you can even remotely wipe all your data.
Top tip: Double-check that this feature is turned on right now - before anything bad happens.
8. Beware of "vampire" apps & creepy permissions.
Not all apps are what they seem. Some of them, especially from unofficial sources, are designed to suck your personal data dry.
Top tip: Only download apps from Google Play or the Apple App Store. And always review permissions — does that flashlight app really need access to your contacts and camera? Probably not, eh?
9. Don’t fall for trick-or-treat texts (phishing).
Hackers love to disguise themselves as banks, delivery services, or even government agencies to trick you into revealing personal details.
Top tip: If you get a strange message asking you to “click here to verify your account,” don’t bite. Go directly to the company’s official site or app to check for messages. When in doubt, throw it out (digitally speaking, of course).
10. Avoid phantom Wi-Fi hotspots.
Free public Wi-Fi might be tempting, but not all networks are as friendly as they seem. Some scammers set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots to spy on your browsing, steal your logins, and cause mayhem.
Top tip: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for anything sensitive. If you must connect, don’t log into bank accounts or enter passwords. Better yet, use a VPN to create a safe tunnel through the haunted house of public internet.
Don’t get spooked!
Now for the exciting part! A prize so good, you’ll SCREAMi for it! To be in with a chance of winning a NINJA Swirl by CREAMi NC701UK 13-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Dessert Maker, simply reply to this article with your answer to the following question:
What’s your favourite ice cream or ice lolly?
We’ll randomly select one winner from the replies.
Entries close at 23:59 on 20th October 2025, and we'll announce the lucky iD Community winner shortly after.
We’ll notify the winner by direct message here on the Community, so please keep an eye on your inbox.
Good luck!
