Latest news with #anti-theft
Phone Arena
3 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Samsung just sent 40 million Galaxy users an urgent security message
Samsung is going all-in on security awareness across the UK, launching a nationwide campaign to encourage Galaxy smartphone owners to activate the new anti-theft features introduced with the One UI 7 update. The campaign supports the UK Home Office's efforts to curb rising phone theft, with Samsung highlighting a multi-layered suite of tools to protect users and their data in high-risk situations. One UI 7 brings Theft Protection to all Galaxy phones. | Image credit – Samsung A safety message sent through the Samsung Members app and other channels will reach over 40 million Galaxy users this week. The company is also backing the push with a major awareness campaign spanning London's Piccadilly Lights, train, and tube (metro) stations, social platforms, and online video ads. The message is simple: if you own a Galaxy phone, and you've updated to One UI 7 , now's the time to activate Theft Bizon, VP of Mobile Experience at Samsung UK, said: Theft Protection is in the security and privacy settings." Theft Protection is Samsung's set of anti-theft features, building on standard Android protections like Google's Find My Device. It got introduced with the Galaxy S25 series earlier this year and is now rolling out to many older Galaxy models. The features it includes are built into the Knox Security Platform and available through One UI 7 .Here's a breakdown of what's included: Identity Check : Requires biometric authentication in unfamiliar locations to make sensitive security changes. : Requires biometric authentication in unfamiliar locations to make sensitive security changes. Security Delay : Introduces a 1-hour delay before changes to biometric settings take effect—giving users time to trigger Remote Lock and take back control. Existing anti-theft upgrades Theft Detection Lock : Uses machine learning to detect snatching motions and instantly locks the screen. : Uses machine learning to detect snatching motions and instantly locks the screen. Offline Device Lock : Locks the screen if the phone loses internet connection for an extended period. : Locks the screen if the phone loses internet connection for an extended period. Remote Lock : Allows users to remotely lock the phone using just their number and a quick verification step. They can also display a custom message on the screen and explore recovery options. These protections are now live on the Galaxy S22, S23, S24, and S25 series, the Galaxy Z Flip 5/6, the Galaxy Z Fold 5/6, and other devices receiving the One UI 7 .0 update throughout 2025. Samsung has published a detailed setup guide for users who want to activate these features and protect their Galaxy devices. It also walks you through how to lock or erase your phone remotely, track it using a Galaxy Watch or Find My Device, and change your account credentials after a company even recommends creating a PIN and recovery message through the Samsung Find website in case of emergency. For full instructions, users can visit Samsung UK's support site or contact support directly. Theft Protections settings menu on Pixel phones. | Image credit – Google Most other phone manufacturers have also introduced theft protection functionality. Google, for example, has something called Theft Detection Lock , which utilizes AI and motion sensors to detect sudden movements indicative of theft (like snatching) and automatically locks the screen. Other features on Pixel Phones include Offline Device Lock, which automatically locks the device if it's disconnected from the internet for too long. Apple, on the other hand, has its Stolen Device Protection feature that requires biometric authentication for critical actions (accessing passwords, disabling Lost Mode, or erasing the device) when the iPhone is in unfamiliar locations. Motorola also has its set of security features, with some newer ones being Security Scan and Phishing Detection . The former uses artificial intelligence to proactively scan the device for malware and potential vulnerabilities, while the latter identifies and warns users about suspicious links or websites, helping prevent phishing attacks.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Is this the future of shopping? Tesco customers left fuming as they spot new feature in stores that could make shopping take longer
Tesco customers have been left bamboozled by the high street chain's latest attempt to stop thieves - that makes their shopping trip longer. Artificial intelligence-style locked security cabinets have been installed on alcohol aisles which require a 'four-step process' to open the cabinets. Believed to be called the Freedom Case, the anti-thieving gadgetry has the ability to track when items have been removed, how often the cabinet has been opened and for how long. It can also send alerts to staff if 'suspicious behaviour' is detected. While the devices have been around since last summer, some stores are only just testing out the new anti-theft devices which will make the average customer's shopping experience much longer. The Freedom Cases have been rolled out across a handful stores - one of the first being in Purley, south London. But shoppers in Fforestfach, Swansea, have recently tested out the screens, adding 'I presume it's to try and stop people stealing stuff but I'm not quite sure how it stops them completely as you can still access the alcohol - you just have to wait a few moments before you can.' The customer also told WalesOnline: 'You have to press a button - then there is a countdown, then it tells you that you can open the door. The screens are set to make the average customer's shopping time longer as they have to wait for the doors to slide open 'Perhaps when you press the button the CCTV watches you and stops someone just casually sticking a bottle underneath their coat as they walk down the aisle.' In a video posted online, the screens instruct customers to the new, drawn-out procedure by telling them 'hello. The cabinet is locked for security reasons. Please tap the arrow below for access'. Once their request is finally underway, the device responds 'thank you for your patience, the cabinet door will open shortly. Thank you for shopping with Tesco'. The British Retail Consortium says theft from stores is 'out of control' costing shops £2billion a year. And their study in March found nearly a quarter of the UK population have witnessed shoplifting in the last 12 months. Despite these shocking statistics, shoppers were left in uproar when the anti-theft mechanisms were first introduced. Broadcaster Lorraine King wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Popped into Tesco to buy a bottle of champagne for my friend's birthday and was confronted with this.' Another poster added: 'I would guess the security guard is looking at a camera rather than it being facial recognition but still, very obnoxious by Tesco.' Mary N-T said: 'With police no longer bothered about shoplifting this is what supermarkets have to do. 'Thieves are walking into shops and brazenly taking booze off the shelves and walking out, tags and all.' Sammie Lloyd said: 'Tesco is becoming more tyrannical, with their use of technology. This is not good.' Martyn James, an independent consumer champion, said: 'Is there a sadder indictment of society than this - the fact that buying a bottle of booze is now like getting into a high-end luxury jewellers? 'If the epidemic of shoplifting and aggressive customer behaviour is not dealt with firmly and definitively, then we face a future where everything we buy is behind bars or plastic screens. 'That's not a future I want to live in.' Recently customers in Wales seemed to welcome the change as they highlighted 'camera just above it. Uses facial recognition software to prevent loss. Signs on way in'. Another explained 'if the door stays open for a few seconds or more security are alerted, shelves are "weighted" so Tesco knows what bottle has just been removed'. 'Also checks door is closed. For pricey alcohol only cabinets.' Tesco declined to comment but have previously said that they do not use facial recognition or that the taking of photos is used to operate the cabinets. These screens are not the only attempts to shtop the huge wave of shoplifters blighting Britain's high streets. Plastic contraptions have also been positioned loosely in front of items and in footage uploaded to social media shows them being freely slid from left to right to uncover the goods. A strange creaking noise is also a feature of the appliances which in the video shield boxes of chocolate like Ferrero Rocher and Milk Tray. Taking to TikTok, many users had strong opinions on Tesco's latest initiative. One person said: 'How does this stop shoplifting?' Tesco 's new anti-shoplifting devices have left customers bewildered as they question how a piece of plastic could deter would-be thieves Another added: 'So you can slide it over and get what you need. So how is going to stop shop lifters?' Others said they believed a solution would be to make the items more 'affordable' rather than upping the security. Someone said sarcastically: 'Let's not try and just simply make this affordable so people buy instead of stealing.' Others feared the devices looked flimsy and that they could easily 'snap'. One person commented: 'Thieves don't care, they'll just break them off or take longer to take things. Doesn't matter whether barriers, gates, these, tags. They'll steal if they want to steal.' But not everyone was so critical. George Young claimed he used to have the devices in his store and they 'definitely work'. He explained: 'They definitely work as someone who had these in their store it takes the thieves longer to get to everything so they might steal 10 bars instead of 30 and if they do go for more it gives security time.' Another added: 'It's a deterrence mechanism, individuals are less likely to come in and make a quick theft from Tesco because of those stupid slidey things so they will go elsewhere.' Fuming shoppers also complained they felt like criminals as they were ' herded like cattle' through Tesco's giant trolley scales - another anti-shopping lifting initiative. One shopper emerged close to tears after the weight of the trolley did not match her self-scan receipt and she suffered the 'humiliation' of having her bags re-scanned.
CNN
13-05-2025
- CNN
From pickpocket-proof to RFID-blocking options, these are the 16 best anti-theft travel bags
Anti-theft bags quick picks Anti-theft passport wallet: Pacsafe RFID-Safe V150 Anti-Theft Passport Wallet Anti-theft purse: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag Anti-theft backpack: Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack No matter where you're headed or how you're spending your vacation, ensuring your belongings stay secure is a crucial step in getting adventure-ready. And while the anti-theft bag market has shrunk over time, that doesn't mean that these bags are any less useful. 'The number-one issue that's going to be faced in this vertical of traveler loss theft is going to be pickpocketing,' Kevin Coffey, a travel safety trainer and retired Los Angeles Police Department detective, said. 'And it's going to be one of two ways: One, it comes out of your pocket itself, and the other is going to be coming out of a bag that you're carrying.' According to Coffey, there are several key features that a good anti-theft travel bag should possess, including the ability to detach a strap and secure it to a secondary device, anti-slashing features, and RFID blocking. From crossbody bags and sling bags to travel purses and backpacks, we've rounded up a range of anti-theft options, all of which include at least one security feature. Lewis N. Clark RFID-Blocking Money Belt The waist belt has an ultra-slim design that fits discreetly underneath your clothing and is constructed with RFID-blocking technology and durable rip-stop nylon. It's even got self-repairing zippers. The multiple compartments keep your currency, electronics, passports, travel documents and more organized and easily accessible when needed. Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-Theft Fanny Pack Keep your valuables safe while on the go with the lockable zips and cut-resistant materials of the Pacsafe Vibe 100 Anti-Theft Fanny Pack made from recycled PET for optimal sustainability. It also has RFID-safe pockets and a Roobar locking system. It can even hold a 7-inch tablet, as well as with the usual suspects — keys, phone and wallet. Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack The Travelon Anti-Theft Active Waist Pack has a slew of security features, including RFID-blocking card slots, a slash-resistant body and straps, and locking compartments. These features can help provide an additional level of convenient security against theft. Monos Metro Sling Bag The Monos Metro Sling is all about sleek, functional design. This versatile single-strap bag can be worn around the waist, over the shoulder or crossbody, with smart interior pockets and a built-in keychain carabiner to keep essentials secure. A full-length back pocket offers easy access to your wallet, phone or passport. Made entirely of vegan materials, it comes in nine stylish colors. Pacsafe RFID-Safe V150 Anti-Theft Passport Wallet Also from Pacsafe, this passport holder has RFID-blocking material to protect against unauthorized scans of your credit cards and IDs, with six card slots, a zippered mesh window slot for an ID card, a mesh passport holder, a boarding pass slip pocket, a zippered pocket and a pen loop. There's also a detachable strap that is reinforced with a hard-to-cut wire, and you can wear it around the wrist or secure it to a belt loop to deter pickpockets. AquaVault Anti-Theft Portable Beach Chair Vault 'As an avid beachgoer, I absolutely love the Aqua Vault FlexSafe anti-theft bag,' said travel blogger Marla Cimini. 'It's basically a portable safe that offers peace of mind.' This compact bag secures to a beach chair, umbrella or other fixed object with a combination lock you set yourself. It fits your phone, keys, wallet and other small valuables and features splash-proof, slash-resistant and RFID-blocking material. It also has mesh pockets, a belt loop, and a top handle so you can carry it like a purse or even use it as a bike bag. Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Essential Messenger Bag 'If a thief can't get into your bag, they'll try to take the whole thing,' Coffey said. 'People often hang purses on the backs of chairs or cover them with a jacket; [those are] easy targets. That's why it's important to secure your bag to something fixed, like a chair.' The Travelon Anti-Theft Essential Messenger Bag makes that a cinch with a detachable, slash-resistant strap you can loop through a chair or table. Its five-point anti-theft security system includes slash-resistant panels, locking compartments and an RFID-blocking organizer for added peace of our review Baggallini Modern Pocket Crossbody Bag Travel journalist Elizabeth Heath loves her Baggallini bag, which boasts RFID-blocking technology, a detachable strap and plenty of space for your belongings while remaining relatively compact. You'll also find plenty of compartments and pockets inside to store all your smaller items. We love the options on offer, with more than 30 colors and designs available. "I bought the bag in a neutral/unisex color so that my spouse can carry it too," Heath said. "That way, we can get by with one 'purse' when we travel, and I'm not left holding the bag and the phones, wallets, tickets, etc.' Peak Design Everyday Tote This 15-liter Peak Design Everyday Tote really lives up to its name. It's great for an adventure or holding your photo equipment, but it also works for everyday trips because it combines a sleek aesthetic with functionality that protects, organizes and gives quick access to your gear. The extra-wide opening has a weatherproof UltraZip, seals with a magnetic clasp and folds over to provide extra pickpocketing protection. Travelon Anti-Theft Urban Messenger Bag With its five-point anti-theft security system, including a lockdown strap, the Travelon Urban Anti-Theft Messenger Bag updates the Essential Messenger Bag with a sleek, squared design and a main compartment featuring two padded sleeves that can hold a 14-inch laptop along with an iPad or tablet. Buckles secure the flap over the main compartment, while the front and rear pockets have zippers, offering excellent security. It can be worn as a crossbody or over the shoulder. Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack The Pacsafe CitySafe convertible backpack is a great design with a 2-in-1 option: It can be worn as a travel backpack or folded down as a handbag or crossbody bag. Any way you wear it, you'll get all the anti-theft features standard for Pacsafe bags. It has smart zipper security, cut-resistant fabric and a cut-resistant anchor strap that stores away neatly or secures to a fixed object, along with RFID-blocking pockets. Travelon Anti-Theft Signature Slim Backpack Travelon's Signature Anti-Theft Backpack is a great choice for travelers looking for anti-theft features alongside a clean and functional design. The main compartment has an RFID-blocking slot that holds credit cards and passports. There's also an inner zippered wall pocket with an attached key clip with an LED light. The hidden anti-slash pocket under the flap is perfect for your cell or sunglasses. Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack Away's Everywhere Zip Backpack is constructed with water-resistant nylon, a breathable mesh back panel for extra comfort and a full wraparound zip opening for access to its spacious main compartment. Its anti-theft features include a padded 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper, an external secure front zip pocket and a hidden easy-access slip pocket for your phone or passport. Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack The Shrradoo Anti-Theft Laptop Travel Backpack is a great value at well under $30. It has a built-in lockable compartment for securing a laptop and other valuables, which provides an extra layer of security against theft. Additionally, its durable build, spacious compartments and multiple pockets, including a USB charging port and expandable water bottle sleeves, make it a practical and versatile option for our review Peak Design Everyday Backpack 30L This bag is a go-to for Jarryd Salem, founder of the travel blog Nomadasaurus. 'As professional photographers, anti-theft features are crucial since we travel with expensive gear,' he said. In addition to hidden pockets and lockable zippers, Salem said the bag's best feature is its subtlety. 'They don't look like camera bags, which makes them less of a target. The less attention your gear draws, the safer it is.' Travelon Anti-Theft Packable Backpack The Travelon Anti-Theft Packable Backpack is all about optimal security and convenience for travelers. Its standout feature is the five-point anti-theft security system that includes several key elements like slash-resistant mesh barriers and stainless steel wire embedded in the straps. Locking compartments also help prevent pickpockets from accessing the contents of your bag. It's important to understand the features that can help protect your belongings. From durable materials to clever design details, here's what to look for when shopping for an anti-theft bag. Slash-resistant fabric Slash-resistant material is engineered to withstand knife attacks, a common tactic used by thieves trying to quickly cut open a bag. These fabrics are usually reinforced with steel mesh or carbon fiber wires woven into the lining, so they're extremely tough to pierce or slash. Hidden, lockable zippers and compartments Well-designed anti-theft bags feature discreet zippers and lockable compartments to outsmart pickpockets. Some zippers are hidden under flaps or panels, while others can be secured with integrated locking mechanisms. If your bag doesn't come with a lock, check out our guide to the best TSA-approved locks to find one that works for your setup. Reinforced shoulder straps Strap-cutting is another quick-grab method used by thieves. To help prevent it, look for bags with reinforced shoulder straps — often built with steel cables or high-strength fibers like Dyneema — that are extremely difficult to slice through. Secure attachment points Many anti-theft bags include locking clips or anchor points so you can secure your bag to a fixed object, like a chair or table leg. This feature is especially useful at cafés, train stations or anywhere you might briefly set your bag down. Ease of use Ultimately, you want to find an anti-theft bag that's easy to use. 'Find one that fits your dexterity level,' Coffey said. 'If the features are difficult to use and quickly secure, you're probably not going to be using it all the time, and then [the anti-theft features become] pointless.' What are the most secure anti-theft bags? What are the most secure anti-theft bags? If you're looking for secure anti-theft bags, there are several smart options to choose from. Backpacks with slash-resistant materials, lockable zippers and RFID-blocking compartments are perfect for carrying valuables like laptops while staying protected. Crossbody bags offer compact convenience with cut-proof straps and hidden pockets that deter pickpockets. For added versatility, convertible bags that switch between backpack and purse modes combine style with hidden zippers and secure compartments. Messenger bags with slash-proof panels and locking mechanisms provide both organization and peace of mind, especially for commuters. And for hands-free travel, waist packs with hidden buckles and RFID protection keep essentials close and secure. What is the difference between an anti-theft bag and a normal bag? What is the difference between an anti-theft bag and a normal bag? The main difference between anti-theft bags and regular bags is security. Anti-theft bags include features like slash-resistant materials, lockable zippers, RFID-blocking pockets and hidden compartments to deter thieves. Regular bags prioritize style and function but lack these protective elements, making them more vulnerable to theft. Is RFID blocking important for anti-theft bags? Is RFID blocking important for anti-theft bags? RFID blocking is a key anti-theft feature that protects credit cards, passports and IDs from wireless data theft. It prevents criminals from using scanners to steal your info without contact, adding an extra layer of security against identity theft and fraud. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Marla Cimini, an award-winning writer with a passion for travel, music, surfing and culinary adventures Kevin Coffey, author, travel safety trainer and retired Los Angeles Police Department detective who founded the Crime Investigation Detail for airport and travel-related crimes Elizabeth Heath, travel writer and editor living in central Italy Jarryd Salem, founder of the travel blog Nomadasaurus and managing director at Peak Evolution Media CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this articles, travel editor Kyle Olsen sought advice and recommendations from professionals such as retired detectives and experienced travel bloggers, to the effectiveness, practicality and real-world relevance of a wide variety of anti-theft bags.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- The Sun
Millions of phone owners get anti-theft ‘secret weapon' to stop thieves breaking into your mobile after snatching it
MILLIONS of phone owners are to get a new anti-theft "secret weapon" on their mobile to stop thieves accessing the device after snatching it. The security feature means Android phones will start to reboot automatically if they haven't been used for three days. 3 3 This means they will be more difficult to access if they haven't been used in a while as users have to enter the pin after a reboot. It comes after a recent survey from the Met Police revealed phones are stolen in London at a rate of one every 7 1⁄2 minutes. Figures show gangs and crooks took 70,137 mobiles last year — 192 a day. That is up a third from the 52,000 nicked in 2023, Met Police statistics show. Another important reason for users and authorities to be aware of the update relates to the two lock states on mobiles – before first lock (BFU) and after first lock (AFU). In BFU, information and files on a phone are securely encrypted and completely inaccessible, even with complex extraction programmes. Therefore if cops seize a phone as evidence they will have less time to access the device. Phone thefts are now a £50million underworld industry, with most flogged or disassembled for parts in China. People with phones still running Android 12 are advised to consider upgrading to a newer device. Security patches fix flaws that have been discovered in the software, which stops phones succumbing to hacking. Home Office figures show 90% of all 'theft from a person' crimes in London go unsolved, with a crook charged in only one per cent of cases. The unsolved figure is 86 per cent in England and Wales. Due to the rise in phone thefts, the Met is using tracking tech and putting plain-clothed officers in the West End and Westminster, where 40% of all thefts occur. The City of London force is deploying bike-mounted police. Anna McEntee, at Compare the Market, said Londoners and those visiting the capital will be concerned by the substantial rise in phone thefts last year. She added that criminals are becoming "increasingly brazen, often using mopeds or e-bikes to make a quick getaway'. The new security feature from Google is part of the April 2025 Google System release notes and is expected to apply to tablets but not wearables such as the Pixel Watch, televisions, or Android Auto Devices. Google hasn't said if users will be able to toggle this feature or change the time limit for rebooting. Since this feature is part of Google Play Services, those affected will see it without the phone going through a full system update. A BFU phone remains connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, meaning that if you lose your phone and it reboots, you'll still be able to use location-finding services. Time to upgrade? By Millie Turner, Senior Technology & Science Reporter It's hard to know when it's time to upgrade your smartphone - especially when it 'does the job' just fine. Can make phone calls? Yes. Text? Of course. Surf the internet? Yep. Still use my apps? Absolutely. For some, a no-frills phone is all that's necessary. Glossy AI features that can summarise emails and touch up your pictures are not on everyone's wish list. Unfortunately, it's when devices lose security support that they need to be retired. Once a phonemaker stops fixing software bugs in its handsets, they can become risky to use. Vulnerabilities will emerge over time that will never be fixed—and this essentially gives hackers free rein to exploit devices and innocent owners. However, this can only happen if they're still in use.
