Cellphone theft has become a big problem in Canada.
New smartphones are not only valuable but also contain a lot of personal and financial information.
There is a growing black market for lost or stolen cellphones and now something is being done to stop the cycle
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association is setting up a national database to track lost or stolen wireless devices.
All phones have a 15-digit number to identify it on a mobile network.
When a phone is reported missing to a phone company, it’s supposed to be deactivated.
However the President of the CWTA, Bernard Lord said there’s inconsistency among providers.
“Some do and it varies from company to company but they don’t necessarily share that information.
Now by signing up to this database they will share this information and that really reduces the incentive for thieves to steal a phone and that’s the objective.”
The new system will create a national “blacklist” and before any wireless device is activated that identity number will be checked.
If it’s been reported lost or stolen, it will not be reactivated on any Canadian network.
The Wireless Association has also launched a web site to educate Canadians on how to protect data on their smart phones.
The website www.protectyourdata.ca has information about changing and protecting passwords, the importance of locking settings and updating security software.
“There are three times more phones that are lost than stolen, so protecting your data is just as valuable if you lose your phone or if it’s stolen,” said Lord.
They also want to stress how important it is to report a lost or stolen phone and have the device deactivated.
U.S. wireless carriers will follow Canada’s lead with its own tracking system by November 2013.
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