Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Cell Phone Forensics On Wiping Out Data

By Gary Cook


Everyone has a secret in the phone that you would not like exposed. It could be a photo, message, file, link, or anything that would compromise your position. When you want to give away the handset or sell it, such information needs to be cleared to prevent it from falling into unsafe hands. Cell phone forensics experts have recommended ways you can protect information from compromise.

Use the factory reset option. This is the first resort for most people and devices. It is meant to clear all information and settings that have been altered since the handset began to be used. Some phones work by locking handsets from setting alteration. This might not work if you are selling or giving it since it will be useless to the receiver. However, it still provides a reasonable deal of information protection.

Resetting factory settings does not wipe out data. It only locks it in a place that is irretrievable through your handset. With advancement in technology, such information may be retrieved with ease. If someone employs off-the-shelf techniques and technology, your secret information will be retrieved leading to compromise. You therefore need more advanced ways of concealing the information and erasing it completely from the system.

Data encrypting is another option. This is an option that is limited to certain handset models which means that it is exposed to limited use. It means that anyone trying to access information from that handset will have to provide an unlocking key. Since you will be the sole holder of the key, your information will be protected.

There are inbuilt capabilities to encrypt data. However, there are software that allow encrypting of information as an added feature. This means that you have to download such applications. Even these options do not guarantee safety because applications and systems have been hacked despite appearing secure. While some encrypt by default, you will need to activate such options for some phones.

Data can be protected by overwriting it. Devices will provide that option when you are saving information or files. It works by erasing the existing ones and writing others over them. Like resetting, overwriting only provides temporary reprieve where advanced technology can lead to access. A hacker is still capable of accessing this information.

Do you have added memory devices like SD cards and sim cards, remove them from your handset. They are pockets for storing data that is visible when you are operating your phone. If you had indicated that certain files be saved in the cards, they will be eliminated from the phone once these cards are removed. This is a safer option but you must have chosen these cards as your preferred option for saving data or files.

Advancement in data recovery technology has almost made it impossible to erase information. However, data recovery utilizes advanced technology as well. This might make your files and information almost inaccessible to ordinary users. Each handset has directions on concealing data. Follow these instructions to enjoy protection. However, the best option is to avoid possession of such information, files, data or messages if it is likely to be compromised.




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