Buying a new phone is a good opportunity to build your data protection from scratch. Dmitry Model, head of the Financial Literacy Directorate at the Research Financial Institute of the Russian Ministry of Finance, explained which settings to enable within the first few hours of unboxing the device. These simple steps significantly reduce the risk of data theft and loss of the phone.

Avoid simple passwords and pattern locks

A pattern lock made of a few dots is one of the weakest forms of protection. It can be easily observed or guessed. A far more secure option is to use a long alphanumeric password or biometrics—fingerprint or facial recognition.

At the same time, avoid obvious combinations: pet names, dates of birth, the word "password," and other common choices. For each service, it is better to set a unique, complex password. To avoid having to remember dozens of combinations, the expert recommends using a password manager. This program stores all your data under one secure master key and can generate complex passwords itself.

Hide notification content on the lock screen

The full text of incoming messages should not be displayed on the lock screen. On public transport or in a queue, a stranger could accidentally read your private correspondence, confirmation codes, or other sensitive data. It is enough to show only the sender's name or disable previews altogether.

Enable device tracking immediately

When buying a new smartphone, the first thing to do is activate remote tracking (Find My Device for Google or Find My iPhone for Apple). This can be done through the phone's settings or from another device via the manufacturer's website. If the phone is lost or stolen, you can quickly locate it, lock it, or remotely erase its data.

Set up two‑factor authentication

Even the strongest password can be compromised. That is why, on all important services—email, banking, social networks, and cloud storage—you should enable two‑factor authentication. This can be a code sent via SMS or, even more secure, confirmation through a dedicated authenticator app. Even if they know the password, an attacker cannot log in without the second factor.

Install official security software

Many manufacturers offer their own security applications. Basic free versions are usually sufficient for the average user. They help control app permissions, detect malware, and provide additional device protection.

In brief

When setting up a new smartphone, immediately avoid simple pattern locks in favour of a long password or biometrics, start using a password manager, and hide notification text on the lock screen. Be sure to activate remote device tracking and two‑factor authentication on all important services. These measures significantly enhance the security of your phone and personal data from the very first days of use.