Kakao advises users to follow security tips following report

Kakao advises users to follow security tips following report. September. 07, 2012 05:55. coolj@donga.com.

Kakao, the developer and provider of a free mobile phone application for text messaging, on Thursday advised users to follow “three security principles” to protect privacy, saying data not deleted from previously used smartphone software could be retrievable.

The move followed a Dong-A Ilbo report saying private data on mobile phones that are either lost or discarded could be leaked. The company warned that such information could be used by hackers.

Kakao advised users to press a reset button to delete all existing information when switching to a new device. When an old phone is replaced by a new one due to loss, a user should delete the data by using an online reset function if an existing phone is lost. In addition, the company urged users to set a password on apps containing sensitive personal information so that such information will not be accessed to others.

The Korea Communications Commission will hold a privacy protection campaign to remind smartphone users of the danger of personal information being leaked when they replace a smartphone. “We will hold a comprehensive review of smartphone security measures and ask users to exercise caution,” said commission official Kim Kwang-soo. The communications watchdog will also encourage businesses using private information to enhance their security.