Smartphone, don't spy!

Checklist: Migration, flight and asylum

Smartphone security is extremely important for asylum seekers and refugees, as their devices are often the only way to stay in touch with relatives, lawyers or support networks. At the same time, smartphones contain sensitive information such as whereabouts, escape routes, identity documents or personal messages that could fall into the wrong hands if they are not adequately protected. Governments or criminal organizations misuse this data to track, monitor or exert pressure. A secure smartphone helps to protect your privacy, keep communications confidential and protect yourself from potential dangers such as deportation.

• You know your most important contacts and logins by heart
• You have removed your SIM card number
• You have set up a screen lock
• Notifications on your lock screen are deactivated
• Your smartphones are encrypted
• You can switch off your devices quickly
• You do without memory cards
• Do not use biometric unlocking
• You have deactivated USB debugging
• You have noted the unique numbers of your device
• You make regular backups
• You do not unlock your smartphone on demand
• Switch off all electronic devices when crossing fortified border installations
• Activate two-step verification in your messengers
• You use disappearing messages
• You are careful with your personal data
• You only use encrypted cloud storage
• You delete metadata from your images
• You do not publish images with shadows and time