In an alarming trend, many travellers fall victim to smartphone theft abroad. According to the Global Rescue Winter 2025 Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, nearly one in five travellers report losing their devices to theft, underscoring the growing threat of opportunistic criminals. However, seasoned travellers—who have logged extensive miles and experience—appear far less susceptible, with fewer than 5% encountering such incidents. Their secret? Adopting proactive measures to secure their devices.
A Critical Asset at Risk
For today’s travellers, a smartphone is more than just a gadget—it is a lifeline to navigation, communication, and financial access. Losing it can disrupt plans, expose sensitive information, and lead to severe security risks.
“When traveling, your smartphone is more than just a device—it’s a necessity. Protect it, because losing it could mean losing control over your plans, finances, and security,” warns Harding Bush, a former Navy SEAL and Associate Director of Security for Global Rescue.
Strategies for Safeguarding Smartphones
With smartphone snatching incidents on the rise, savvy travellers are turning to practical yet effective security methods:
✅ Keep Your Phone Hidden in Public (43%) – Avoid flashing your device in crowded areas. If necessary, step indoors or use a secure location.
✅ Use Biometric Locks or Complex Passwords (25%) – Face ID, fingerprints, and strong passwords make unauthorized access more difficult.
✅ Enable ‘Find My Device’ & Remote Wipe (9%) – This feature allows travellers to locate or erase their phone’s data in case of theft.
✅ Lock SIM Card (4%) – Prevent thieves from using your SIM for fraudulent activities.
✅ Avoid Storing Essentials in Phone Wallet Attachments – “Never store your cash, ID, or credit cards in a phone wallet attachment. If your phone is lost or stolen, you lose everything at once,” Bush cautions.
Underutilized but Effective Security Measures
Surprisingly, some highly effective protective strategies remain underused:
📌 Installing Anti-Theft Software, Encrypting Data, and Using a Phone Leash (3%) – These tools add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
📌 Using a Burner (Throwaway) Phone (2%) – Ideal for travellers in high-risk areas, reducing the risk of exposing sensitive data.
📌 Removing Banking & Shopping Apps (1%) – Minimizes financial risk if the phone falls into the wrong hands.
The Hidden Dangers of Smartphone Theft
Smartphones house a treasure trove of personal and financial information. When stolen, criminals can access banking apps, email accounts, social media profiles, and even two-factor authentication systems, which can result in identity theft, unauthorized transactions, and fraudulent activities.
“Think about consequence management—if your phone is linked to two-factor authentication for email and financial accounts, losing it could lock you out of those essential services,” Bush explains.
Proactive Travel Security: A Must in 2025
As cyber threats and physical security risks evolve, protecting digital assets has become as crucial as safeguarding passports and wallets. Travellers must adopt a multi-layered defence strategy to keep their smartphones—and personal data—out of the hands of criminals.
By staying vigilant and implementing these expert-recommended precautions, travellers can significantly reduce their risk of falling prey to smartphone theft, ensuring a safer and more secure journey abroad.
For additional travel security insights and expert advice, visit Global Rescue.
Written by: Octavia Koo
