What you can do to make your mobile phone more secure
There are several steps you can take to make your mobile phone more secure, including using the phone's security features. These features may stop people making unauthorised calls using your phone or SIM (subscriber identification module) card.
General tips
Avoid leaving your mobile phone in the car when unattended
Keep your phone secure at all times
Consider insuring your phone, noting that to replace it could cost you hundreds of dollars
Read your mobile phone manual carefully to see what security features are available for your particular handset model and how to activate them
There are two main technologies for mobile phones, GSM (global system for mobile communications) and CDMA (code division multiple access). These two technologies connect to the networks differently, so the security features differ slightly. GSM phones are connected to the network using a SIM card. CDMA phones do not have a SIM card and the phone handset itself is connected directly to the network.Making your GSM phone more secure:
- Lock your GSM phone to your SIM card. This security feature minimises the possibility of your phone being used with another SIM card.
- Enable the PIN (personal identification number) security feature of your mobile phone so it can only be used if the PIN has been keyed in.
- Record the 15-digit IMEI (international mobile equipment identification) number of your GSM mobile phone handset.
Making your CDMA phone more secure
Enable the PIN security feature of your phone.
Record the eight-digit ESN (electronic serial number) of your CDMA mobile phone handset
Locking your GSM mobile phone to your SIM card
SIM-locking your mobile phone is a security precaution that you can set. When this feature is activated, a PIN will have to be entered on the handset keypad before it can be used with another SIM card. Activating this feature will minimise the use of your handset by unauthorised parties.
Locking your GSM SIM card
Your SIM card also has a security feature that requires a PIN to be entered each time the mobile phone is turned on. Without entering this PIN, calls cannot be made using your SIM card. The PIN is for the SIM card only, not the phone, so if the SIM is put into another phone the PIN for the SIM card will need to be entered before any calls can be made. The SIM card is identified by the network by its electronic serial number-the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number.
Note: If the PIN number is entered incorrectly three times the SIM will become 'blocked'. If this happens, contact your mobile phone service provider to obtain the unblocking code (you will need to be identified as the account holder).
Your GSM's individual identification number
Each GSM mobile phone has an individual serial number called the IMEI number, which can be identified by the GSM network. It is a 15-digit number on the back of your handset under the battery and on most GSM handsets can also be found by pressing *#06# on your phone keypad. The IMEI will appear on the screen-you may need to scroll down to see the whole number.
You should record your IMEI number in case your mobile phone is lost or stolen. Your mobile phone service provider may liaise with the police about a lost or stolen handset and, if found, your handset will be able to be identified by the number.
Thieves will be deterred from stealing mobile phones with the introduction of IMEI 'blocking'. Blocking an IMEI on a mobile phone network prevents a GSM mobile phone from being used with any SIM on any Australian GSM network.
Mobile carriers are able to block the use of customers' lost or stolen mobile phones and unblock recovered mobile phones on their network. They have also agreed to exchange their lists of blocked and unblocked IMEI numbers with other mobile carriers so these can also be processed (blocked/unblocked) on all mobile networks.
Your CDMA's individual identification number
CDMA phones also have an individual identification number, the ESN. This number can be found on the back of your CDMA handset under the battery and usually has eight digits, combining letters and numbers. You should record this number for identification purposes in case your phone is lost or stolen.
Insuring your mobile phone
Insuring your mobile phone against theft, loss or damage may be worth considering.
Insurance is particularly important if you are paying for your phone over time through a contract. If you lose or damage your phone during your contract, you may still have to make payments such as connection or service fees, or pay a fee to cancel the service. Check the conditions of your contract.
Some service providers offer insurance for a monthly fee. Home and contents insurance may also cover the loss or theft of a mobile phone. Check your policy to see if your phone is covered or if it can be added as a special item, or contact your insurer.
What to do if your mobile is lost or stolen
If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, contact your mobile phone service provider immediately to suspend your service and prevent unauthorised calls being made and billed to you. If you have a GSM mobile phone, the provider will block your SIM card and IMEI number to prevent your phone from being used on all Australian mobile networks.
Report the loss or theft to the police, providing identification numbers for your SIM card (GSM phones) and handset (IMEI or ESN). This information may assist the police in the recovery of your mobile phone.
Further information
For information about GSM IMEI number blocking, see the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Associations' 'Mind Your Mobile' website.
More information about mobile phones is also available on ACMA's website.
ACMA has fact sheets on a range of topics.
Please note: this document is intended as a guide only and should not be relied on as legal advice or regarded as a substitute for legal advice in individual cases.
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