Following the revelation last week that London continues to be the top city for device theft in the UK, the Metropolitan Police have revealed that they have spent the past two years lobbying for phone manufacturers and the government to introduce mandatory passwords on new phones.
3.1 million Americans were affected by smartphone in theft in 2013. Of those, only 36% used a PIN (password/passcode) on their phone, the most basic security precaution available. Internal research from the Met’s National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) suggests up to 60% of phones do not have a password.
“We are trying to get [passwords] to be set as a default on new phones, so that when you purchase it you will physically have to switch the password off, rather than switch it on,” notes DCI Bob Mahoney
“If you have to get into the phone to switch something on, our research indicates people are less likely to do it,” he added. “The industry are very supportive.”
According to The Register, the Metropolitan Police believe mandatory passwords would dissuade people from leaving their mobile phone unlocked. Though this measure in no way prevents mobile theft, it is hoped that it adds a measure of protection to phone data (which is turning out to be far more valuable to thieves).
A password is not a foolproof measure of data protection, as determined or organized criminals have ways to hack them. With that said, it offers a good deal more protection from opportunistic (but unskilled) criminals.