ID Protect Review on Txt2Lock

INTRODUCTION
 
Protecting your personal information from thieves is something that most people would consider to be a domain for the computer; firewalls, anti-virus, anti-
spyware are all terms associated with keeping your data safe. But there is another, increasingly popular medium by which people store and use personal information, and it is far easier to steal than a computer – your mobile phone! If you phone gets stolen there are two risks: the first, most obvious is that of someone using your account to make calls, send text messages and access resources that will either embarrass or cost the owner a great deal. The second is probably less widely considered, the personal information contained on the SIM and memory of your mobile. This information could be of actual monetary value, or it could simply be very personal, such as pictures or text messages.

Pros
• Simple activation via text message
• 2 levels of lockdown
• Easy unlock
• Great value for money
• Data encryption included

Cons
• Domestic market only as encryption strength has not been proven
 
Either way, everyone can agree that given the choice, we would rather thieves didn’t go snooping though our personal data. So how to stop them? You can call your mobile operator who can place a bar on all calls, but does that disable the handset itself? In some cases yes, in others no. Your bill may be saved, your personal information sacrificed. Enter: TXT2LOCK
 
OVERVIEW
 
A fantastically simple and ingenious concept, TXT2LOCK offers protection for personal data on a mobile phone that the owner is in complete control of.
 
A small program on the phone (currently only 28 Nokia models supported but more to follow) will, upon the instruction of the owner, block calls and texts or completely disable the handset – all through a simple text message.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS
 
The TXT2LOCK website is friendly and tidy and is the buyer’s first point of contact, it has an excellent tutorial to guide you through the process and explain how the product works.
 
Once the user has entered some details into the website such as phone make/model, number and IMEI number (which can be found on Nokia models by typing *#06#) they are offered the software in two ways: an email containing a link will be sent to the registered address, from which you can download the software and install it manually on the phone via the PC, and a text message is sent to the phone, with the option to download and install directly from the server.
 
Either method is simple enough, and the software simply sits in the applications section of the menu, awaiting your command.
 
SPECIFIC FEATURES
 
There are two levels of lockdown which can be initiated on the phone, one simply blocks all outgoing activity but leaves the phone intact, and the other completely disables the handset stopping ANY kind of activity taking place.
 
Once the lock has been initiated it can be unlocked by following a specific set of key- strokes, then entering a pin number specified during the installation. It would be advisable to test the lock/unlock procedure upon first installing the software, so any problems can be resolved without the pressure of lost data which may be urgently needed.

FUNCTIONALITY
 
The lockdown status of the handset is effective, and even if the SIM card is removed and placed into another phone, neither the SIM nor the handset can be used.
 
 
The software also encrypts the data on the memory card, which will not be of the highest strength, but for a domestic use it will be enough.  
 
It is also possible to lock the handset directly through the software by entering the PIN and changing lock status from ‘unlocked’ to ‘locked’. Which would be especially useful for those who want to be extra cautious and not wait until the phone has been stolen to protect it.
 
CONCLUSION
 
TXT2LOCK is a brilliant tool in the fight against portable identity theft, not only does it protect your pocket, it protects your sensitive data and personal information from prying eyes. The option to recover the phone’s functionality, not available if it becomes blacklisted, is a great inclusion offering
flexibility.
 
The two levels of protection offer the opportunity to completely block all activity, or
simply outgoing communications, meaning the owner could call the phone to see if anyone has found it, without risking a hefty bill.
 
Currently only Nokia models (Symbian OS) are supported but I have no doubt that  there will be more to follow.
 
Perhaps an option to upload the data from the memory card to TXT2LOCK’s secure website would be the next big step forward, as securing the handset is essential, recovering the data without needing the actual phone would be superb.
 
It’s clear that this product is on the verge of revolutionising the way people consider the information on their mobiles, if it is this easy to protect, there is no reason not to; and for only a £6 one-off price, ‘it’s a steal’.
 
Reviewed by: Marcus Cowles, Product Review Analyst

Thursday, 23 August 2007