The Ultimate Summer Device Security Checklist for Families

As summer rolls around, families often find themselves spending far more time outdoors, travelling, and enjoying all kinds of activities together. In today’s digital age, smartphones are essential companions on these adventures, serving as cameras, GPS devices, entertainment hubs, boarding passes, and the main way we stay in touch with one another. But all that extra usage and movement comes with a catch: the more your family’s phones are out and about, the greater the risk of them being damaged, lost, or stolen.

Busy airports, crowded beaches, festivals, theme parks, and unfamiliar towns are exactly the sort of places where a phone can slip out of a pocket, take a tumble onto hard ground, or catch the eye of an opportunistic thief. A lost device isn’t just an expensive inconvenience either; it can mean losing irreplaceable holiday photos, exposing personal information, and leaving a family member without a way to call for help. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. To help you keep your family’s phones safe and secure all season long, we’ve put together this comprehensive device security checklist.

Invest in Protective Gear

Physical damage is the most common threat your phone faces on a summer trip, so start with the basics and protect your family’s devices from knocks, drops, and water:

• Durable Cases: Use sturdy, shock-absorbent cases to shield phones from drops, bumps, and scratches. Rugged cases are especially worthwhile for younger children, who are far more likely to drop a device mid-adventure.
• Screen Protectors: Apply tempered glass or plastic screen protectors to prevent cracks and scratches on the display. They’re inexpensive and can save you a costly repair bill.
• Waterproof Pouches: For beach trips, pool days, or activities near water, use waterproof pouches to keep phones dry and safe. Many double as a floating lanyard, so a dropped phone won’t sink to the bottom of the pool.

Enable Location Sharing

One of the most reliable ways to keep tabs on your family’s devices, and the people carrying them, is a dedicated location-sharing app like Device Tracker Plus (DTP):

• Real-Time Tracking: DTP lets you see the real-time location of each phone, making it far easier to reunite with a device that’s been left behind or find one that’s gone missing.
• Geofencing: Set up geofences around important places such as your home, hotel, or campsite, and receive an alert if a phone leaves the designated zone. It’s a simple way to know at a glance that everyone is where they should be.
• Panic Alerts: In an emergency, the panic alert feature lets a family member notify trusted contacts quickly, sharing their exact location so help can reach them fast.

Crucially, this is location sharing built on trust rather than surveillance. Everyone in your group shares openly, each person stays in control of their own sharing, and it works seamlessly across both Apple and Android devices. Just as importantly, we never sell your personal data to advertisers or brokers. Your family’s location stays strictly between the people you choose to share it with.

Keep the whole family on the map this summer. With Device Tracker Plus you get real-time location sharing, geofence alerts, and one-tap panic alerts — with privacy you control and data we never sell. Get Device Tracker Plus →

Secure Your Devices

Strong security settings prevent unauthorised access and protect the sensitive information stored on your family’s phones:

• Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for every device and account, and avoid reusing the same one across multiple logins.
• Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication wherever it’s offered to add an extra layer of protection, even if a password is compromised.
• Lock Screens: Set up lock screens with a password, PIN, or biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition, so a lost phone can’t be opened by whoever finds it.

Back Up Important Data

Regularly backing up your data means that even if a phone is lost or damaged, the memories and information on it aren’t gone for good:

• Cloud Storage: Use cloud services such as Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox to automatically back up photos, contacts, and other essential files while you travel.
• External Storage: For added reassurance, consider copying your most important files to an external hard drive or USB stick before you set off.

Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

Hotel, café, and airport Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they can also be insecure, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept your data:

• Use a VPN: A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, keeping your activity private even on an open network.
• Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Wherever possible, avoid online banking, shopping, or entering passwords while connected to public Wi-Fi. Wait until you’re on a trusted network or using mobile data.

Monitor App Permissions

Reviewing what your apps can access is a quick win for both privacy and security:

• Check Permissions: Regularly review and adjust app permissions in your phone’s settings, paying particular attention to location, camera, and microphone access.
• Limit Access: Only grant the permissions an app genuinely needs to function, and revoke anything that looks excessive.

Keep Software Updated

Software updates aren’t just about new features; they patch the security holes that criminals rely on:

• Automatic Updates: Enable automatic updates for your phone’s operating system and apps so you’re always protected by the latest fixes.
• Manual Checks: Every so often, check for updates manually and install them promptly, especially before a big trip.

Educate Your Family

Your devices are only as secure as the habits of the people using them, so make sure everyone is on the same page:

• Security Practices: Teach family members, children included, about the importance of strong passwords, sensible app permissions, and steering clear of suspicious links or downloads.
• Regular Check-Ins: Have relaxed, regular conversations to reinforce good security habits and answer any questions, so security becomes second nature rather than a chore.

Prepare for Emergencies

Finally, plan for the worst so a lost or stolen phone causes as little disruption as possible:

• Know Your IMEI: Keep a record of each phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This unique identifier can help your network or the authorities track or block a device if it’s stolen.
• Remote Wipe: Familiarise yourself with the remote wipe function on each phone, which lets you erase personal data remotely if a device falls into the wrong hands.

Lost a phone on holiday? Don’t panic. Device Tracker Plus helps you pinpoint a missing device in real time and act fast — so a mislaid phone stays a minor hiccup, not a ruined trip. See how DTP keeps your family safe →

Enjoy Your Summer with Confidence

By working through this comprehensive device security checklist, you can be confident that your family’s phones stay safe and secure throughout the summer. With the right protective gear, sensible security habits, and the help of Device Tracker Plus, you’re free to focus on the fun rather than worrying about what could go wrong. Stay safe, stay connected, and make the most of your summer with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions

How can I protect my family's phones from physical damage?+

You can protect devices by using sturdy, shock-absorbent cases, applying tempered glass or plastic screen protectors, and utilizing waterproof pouches near water.

What are the benefits of using Device Tracker Plus for location sharing?+

Device Tracker Plus offers real-time location tracking to find lost or stolen devices, geofencing to receive alerts when a phone leaves a designated zone, and panic alerts for emergencies.

What steps should be taken if a phone is lost or stolen?+

You should keep a record of the phone's IMEI number to help authorities track or block it, and use the remote wipe function to erase sensitive data remotely.