The remote wipe function of a mobile device is a practical feature that can be used to prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. For fraudsters, the wrong side is associated with the “long arm” of the law, and they resort to this function if their device has been seized as evidence by law enforcement.
[alert variation=”alert-info”]Numerous incidents of tablets and smartphones having incriminating evidence removed remotely have been recorded at multiple police stations in the United Kingdom, BBC News reports.[/alert]
The command to activate the “wipe” function on a remote mobile device can be given via the web browser, from any computer system with an internet connection.
Once the device gains connectivity, it automatically removes the content from the data storage.
Remote data wipe is a security feature available from numerous apps running on Android, especially antivirus products. On iOS, for example, the Find my iPhone/iPad app can be leveraged for this type of action.
One solution to keep the data on such devices intact is to place them in a radio-frequency shielded bag, which blocks all incoming signals. Some report that a similar effect is achieved by activating airplane mode, however, some types of signals may be activated (WiFi and Bluetooth) when the device is in such a state. In addition, if access to the phone is protected by a password, PIN, or some security pattern, the police cannot always reach the airplane mode.
