Students ignoring the perils of ID theft from stolen phones and laptops

Students in the North West Ignoring the Perils of ID Theft from Stolen Phones and Laptops

New findings from Endsleigh’s 2016 Student Survey - a study of over 4,300 students and parents - indicates that university students in the North West are more concerned about the cost of replacing lost phones or laptops than the risk of ID theft as a consequence of the loss. This is despite 15% of students in the North West saying they have been a victim of ID theft themselves.

If they lost their laptop, only one in ten (10%) of students in the North West would be concerned about ID theft as a consequence, while over a third (35%) would be mainly concerned about the cost of replacing it. And when it comes to losing a mobile phone, only 16% of students in the North West worry about the risk of ID theft, but for almost one in four (24%) said the cost of replacing it would be their main concern.

On a national scale, over a third (40%) of the UK students surveyed by OnePoll, on behalf of Endsleigh, admitted they have concerns about security whilst at university and theft is a reality for many. Of those who are victims of theft, two in five (43%) students had their phone stolen whilst they were out and about, and almost a quarter (23%) have had their laptops stolen on campus.

Many parents will know from experience that students take a healthy haul of gadgets to university nowadays. Endsleigh’s study indicates that the average university student today owns £3,375 worth of possessions; and the cost of a Fresher’s gadgets alone (phone, laptop, printer etc.) are worth £903.40.

The majority (68%) of students surveyed by the NUS Insight Team said the possession they couldn’t live without during Fresher’s Week is their smartphone; while only 17% said laptop.

The student insurance provider, founded by NUS over 50 years ago, is urging students and parents to take steps to keep their possessions safe, and offers five practical tips to keep student possessions safe:

• Lock your windows and doors - Make sure you lock your windows and doors when you’re not in your room. It may seem like common sense, but it can often be easy to forget, especially if you’re trying to make friends with an ‘open-door’ policy. Keeping your door unlocked whilst you were out, could also invalidate any claim you make.
• Get insurance - In the event that your gadgets or possessions get stolen or lost, it can have a big impact on your time at uni. Make sure you have the right level of cover to protect your possessions and gadgets.
• Keep valuables locked and out of sight - When you are away from your accommodation, always hide your valuable items away from view; and when it’s practical, lock devices. Laptops come equipped with a small hole with which you can affix a ‘Kensington lock’, securing the device to a cable anchored in your room.
• Bike safety - Invest in a good quality lock. Try and find one with either a ‘solid gold, silver or bronze’ rating as these will be the most secure. Securely lock your cycle to a fixed object, preferably a purpose built bicycle shed or stand, not a signpost or fence.
• Back up your devices - You can replace your possessions, however it’s not so easy to replace irreplaceable photos and vital course work. It’s good practice to back up your laptop regularly.

Commenting on the findings, Sara Newell, Director of Student & Graduate Markets, Endsleigh, said: “Deciding what to take from home to university can be daunting – favourite possessions along with the right kit can amount to a lot of stuff, worth a lot of money.

"It’s vital that students starting university feel safe in their accommodation, and secure in the knowledge that valuable items are protected.

"I encourage anyone who’s worried about security in their accommodation to speak to their university about their concerns.

“It’s important for students to take common-sense steps to protect their possessions, students relying on the family home policy may not have the right level of protection, and it’s worth considering standalone cover – tailored to meet their personal needs. Having peace of mind that possessions are covered leaves more space for studying and enjoying university life to the full.”