Reporting Elections, Safety and Security of Journalists • • • way you reduce the chance that your phone will be specially prepared for you with spying software preinstalled on it. Back up your phone information regularly to a computer. Store the backup safely and securely. This will allow you to restore the data if you lose your phone. Having a backup will also help you remember what information might be compromised (when your phone is lost or stolen), so you can take appropriate actions. The 15-digit serial or IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number helps to identify your phone and can be accessed by keying *#06# into most phones, by looking behind the battery of your phone or by checking in the phone’s settings. Make a note of this number and keep it separate from your phone, as this number could help to trace and prove ownership quickly if it is stolen. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of registering your phone with the service provider. If you report your phone stolen, the service provider should then be able to stop further use of your phone. However, registering it means your phone usage is tied to your identity. About eavesdropping Your phone can be set to record and transmit any sounds within the range of its microphone without your knowledge. Some phones can be switched on remotely and brought into action in this way, even when they look as though they are switched off. 37