Attention those buying second-hand phones! Is it safe to buy a second-hand phone? What are the risks? How can the security of a second-hand phone be ensured?

Second-hand phones are becoming increasingly common. According to a study, sales exceeded 13 billion dollars globally in the first quarter of 2023 alone, a 14 percent year-on-year increase. In the UK market, it was determined that one-quarter of all phones sold in 2023 were second-hand or refurbished.

However, this situation in the second-hand phone market also creates some cybersecurity risks. Here are some cybersecurity risks:

OUTDATED SOFTWARE

Some devices are no longer supported by the manufacturer in terms of software. This indicates that the device's core operating system does not receive software updates, which carries serious security risks. When new vulnerabilities are discovered by malicious actors, no security patch will be provided to the device to fix these flaws. This can leave the device vulnerable to attacks. A study conducted in the UK in 2020 revealed that nearly one-third of devices sold second-hand no longer receive security updates.

MALWARE

The previous owner of a phone may have installed malware on the device. Such software can be used for many malicious purposes, such as stealing personal information and passwords, or tracking calls and messages. It can also flood the device with unwanted advertisements or subscribe the new owner to paid premium services without their knowledge. The ultimate goal of this software is usually to obtain personal and financial information through fraud or digital extortion and to gain financial profit from this information.

WHAT TO DO TO AVOID CYBER RISKS

Second-hand devices can be sourced from many places, ranging from the manufacturers themselves to high-street retailers, telecommunications companies, and private sellers. A warranty of at least one year should be a basic requirement to ensure quality. It is also best to avoid jailbroken or rooted devices. Security features may be disabled on these devices, which can make them more susceptible to threats.

- Buy a phone from a reliable seller or someone you know. Check reviews on shopping platforms.

- Inspect the phone's screen and outer casing. Check for scratches, breaks, cracks, or wear.

- Test the phone's basic functions; check whether parts such as the charging port, speaker, microphone, and camera are working properly.

- Check the phone's IMEI number to see if it has been reported stolen, and ensure that the IMEI number matches the box, invoice, and the phone itself.

- Check the phone's software. Examine whether it is up to date and whether it has been factory reset.

- Test the battery health. Observe the charging time and battery performance.

- Check whether the warranty certificate and original invoice are present.

- Research whether the phone contains malware. Reset the phone before purchasing.

- Ensure that the original charger and accessories are complete.

- Research whether the price is appropriate for its market value and take care to purchase at a reasonable price.

- Test all of the phone's functions by using it for a while and observe any potential issues.