In our latest Security Session at MWC Las Vegas, ‘Mobile device theft history & outlook at existing deterrence capabilities’ Jason Smith, Senior Director, GSMA Industry Services and Nataliya Stanetsky, Senior Program Manager, Google, discussed one of today’s pressing security challenges: mobile device theft.

This ongoing issue affects millions of people, with far-reaching implications for data privacy, financial security, and consumer trust. They share their insights into current deterrence strategies and identify areas where collective action can make a difference.

A deep dive into mobile device theft: History and impact

Mobile device theft has a long, complex history, with criminals consistently adapting to new technologies and protections over the past twenty-five years. As mobile devices have become more valuable, thieves are increasingly targeting handsets not just for their hardware but for the digital wealth they contain. Today, device theft spans everything from street-level snatching to coordinated, cross-border theft rings, highlighting the evolving sophistication of these crimes.

Building a stronger defence: Industry and government actions

Over the years, stakeholders from government, law enforcement, and industry have developed multiple approaches to combat device theft. These measures include technical security features in devices, national and global databases to block stolen device identities, and awareness campaigns to inform consumers of actions they can take if their device is stolen. Collaborative initiatives like intelligence sharing have been essential in closing procedural gaps and identifying weaknesses in resale and recycling supply chains.

Addressing global challenges: The cat-and-mouse dynamic

Despite significant efforts to secure mobile devices, criminals continue to innovate. Their methods often evolve as quickly as the defence mechanisms developed to counter them, creating an ongoing “cat-and-mouse” battle between industry and organised, transnational adversaries. The threat landscape now includes not only physical device theft but also the exploitation of vulnerabilities that may allow unauthorised access to sensitive data and services.

Moving forward together: Collaboration and knowledge sharing

Our Security Session also provides an overview of an in-progress white paper detailing the landscape of mobile device theft in 2024. While not setting new technical requirements, this paper will outline the critical need for ongoing collaboration between governments, law enforcement, GSMA members, and other stakeholders.

By collectively sharing intelligence on criminal tactics—both technical and practical—we can better understand and counter this threat.

Watch the full session

Interested in learning more about how we are taking steps to protect mobile users? Watch the video for a deeper understanding of the challenges and our shared path forward.