UK designers tackle mobile phone theft

The i-migo device sounds an alert when it and the phone are a set distance apart

The Home Office has unveiled a number of innovations designed to improve the security of mobile phones.

The department revealed three systems developed by designers and technology experts, including one that will lock a phone if it is separated from its owner.

"Overall crime has fallen since 1997, but as new technology creates new opportunities for the user it can also provide criminals with opportunities as well," said Home Office minister Alan Campbell.

"This is where designing out crime can make a real difference, and we are leading the way by using technology to protect the public."

Campbell believes the solutions developed by this challenge could be as successful as previous innovations like chip and Pin, which reduced fraud on lost or stolen cards to an all-time low.

The first invention is i-migo, a separate device that automatically sounds an alert when it and the designated phone are a set distance apart. The Home Office said that this could help when the phone is lost or stolen, and that it could also back up important data using Bluetooth.

The second is a system known as Tie, which matches the handset to the SIM card and boosts protection with the use of a password login and encryption tools. The idea is that a stolen handset will not work with a new SIM card, while its original data, such as contacts, would be rendered inaccessible.

The third solution is TouchSafe, which requires users to carry an RFID card that offers two-factor authentication for mobile transactions.

"It's about thinking smarter than the criminals. New phones are still desirable to consumers but they are useless to criminals if equipped with these new concepts," said David Kester, chief executive of the Design Council, which assisted in the development of the prototypes.

"The technology behind each of these ideas provides UK companies with promising business opportunities."

Encryption firm GSMK CryptoPhone warned that the devices may not come soon enough, as criminals are already targeting enterprise communications to steal confidential information.

"Criminals are listening in on critical business information, and stealing details and data which could do serious damage to companies," said Dr Björn Rupp, chief executive at GSMK CryptoPhone.

"Many organisations have invested heavily in encrypting physical data sources such as laptops and discs, but are leaving their phone correspondence completely unprotected and open to attack from professional fraudsters."

Fraudsters see unencrypted calls as an easy way to gain access to sensitive information from corporate, military and national security organisations, according to Dr Rupp.

"Businesses need to initiate a radical rethink on voice security protection, which can easily be integrated as part of an organisation's wider security strategy," he said.