Upgrading Your Phone? Protect Your Personal Info First

 

Upgrading your mobile device is always exciting. Whether it’s a bigger screen, more storage, or the shiny new camera you’ve been waiting for, it’s tempting to jump at the next big thing. But wait—before you hand over your old device or toss it into a drawer, there’s one essential thing to think about: security. Your old phone is full of personal information and getting it into the wrong hands could lead to fraud or identity theft. Here are five simple steps to keep your personal data safe as you upgrade your smartphone.

1. Back Up Your Data

Your mobile device is a hub for your personal and professional life—it’s full of your photos, contacts, work emails, notes, and more. The last thing you want is to lose that important information.

Before upgrading, make sure to back up all your important data. Here’s how:

• Cloud Services — Utilize cloud storage providers like Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox. These platforms automatically sync your data and simplify the setup process on your new device.
• External Storage — For an offline option with extra security, you can save your data on an external hard drive or USB device. This method ensures you have a physical copy separate from your online accounts.

By backing up your data, you won’t have to worry about losing important files during the upgrade process.

2. Take Out Your SIM and SD Cards

Your SIM card is linked directly to your phone number and can contain personal information, like saved contacts. Similarly, SD cards store media like photos, videos, and app data.

Before handing over your old device, don’t forget to remove both the SIM and SD cards. You can transfer the SIM to your new phone or store it safely if you are getting a new SIM entirely. And consider reusing your SD card on your upgraded device for extra storage.

Does this step really matter? Yes! Keeping your SIM card secure helps prevent SIM swapping scams, which could put your personal accounts and identity at risk.

3. Unlink Accounts Connected to the Device

Do you remember how many accounts are tied to your phone? Probably not—and that’s why this step is so important! Unlinking your accounts before getting a new device guarantees they won’t be accessible on your old phone.

To cover your bases, be sure to disconnect from the following platforms:

• Payment Methods — Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, etc.
• Email — Both the default mail app (e.g., Apple Mail, Samsung Email) as well as platform-specific apps like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail.
• Social Media Platforms — Facebook, Reddit, Instagram, YouTube, BeReal, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.
• Messaging Apps — WhatsApp, iMessage, GroupMe, Facebook Messenger, etc.
• Cloud Storage — Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, etc.
• Multi-Factor Authentication — Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, 2FAS, Duo Mobile, Authy, etc.
• Shopping Apps — Amazon, Instacart, DoorDash, Walmart, Costco, etc.

4. Do a Factory Reset (Trust Us, It’s Worth It)

A factory reset is the best way to erase all personal data from your smartphone. It’s the closest you can get to making your old phone a blank slate again. Why does this matter? If you don’t wipe your personal information properly, your personal information can still be recovered by hackers or cybercriminals.

To perform a factory reset, go to your phone’s Settings and choose “Factory Reset” or “Erase All Data” (typically listed under General or Backup settings). Be sure to double-check that all your information is cleared after the reset process is complete.

If you are upgrading in person at a store, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member to help you with this process—they are there to help you!

5. Set Up Security on Your New Device

Now that your old device is cleared out, it’s time to lock down the new one. Start by enabling auto-lock and setting a strong passcode. (No, “1234” doesn’t count!). Then, enable biometric options like fingerprint scanning or facial recognition for extra security.  And don’t forget to update your software regularly. New updates often include important security patches to keep your data safe.

What Should I Do If My Cybersecurity Is At Risk?

Sometimes things still go wrong. Even with all the precautions, scams and breaches can happen. The smartest thing you can do is act fast if your personal accounts are compromised:

• STEP 1: Change Passwords ASAP — Make sure to update your passwords for all key accounts like email, banking, social media, and others tied to your device.
• STEP 2: Document Everything — Save all communications related the incident for future reference (this will help when you report the scam in step 4). Include emails or messages from the scammer.
• STEP 3: Contact Your Bank — Notify your financial institution to protect your account info and monitor unusual activity. (For Academy Bank clients, log into your online banking account and send a secure chat message, visit academybank.com, or call us at 877-712-2265.)
• STEP 4: Report the Scam — File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This launches an investigation and prevents others from falling victim to the same scam.
• STEP 5: Notify Trusted Contacts — Inform your friends, family, or colleagues about the breach, especially if it impacts shared accounts.

Remember, taking action makes all the difference when handling cyber threats.

Safeguard Your Data, Because Your Privacy Matters

The excitement of a new phone shouldn’t come with the stress of compromised information. By following a few steps, you are protecting your information, reducing the risk of identity theft, and ensuring your new phone is ready to serve you better.

At Academy Bank, we are committed to helping you safeguard your personal and financial details. Explore more security tips and resources on our website, including expert insights on preventing identity theft and handling digital scams.

Security made simple—just the way we like it!

 

FINANCIAL EDUCATION: Scams & Fraud; Preventing ID Theft; Reporting ID Theft; Fraud Alerts & Freezes; Mobile Security Tips; Visa Card Security.

SCAM-SPECIFIC RESOURCES: General Cybersecurity; Spotting Common Scams; Safe Checking Practices; SIM Swapping Scams; Phishing Emails; Phone Scams; Text Scams; Crypto Investment Scams; Pig-Butchering Scams; Elder Financial Abuse; Business Fraud; Tax Return Security.