Hong Kong star's lost iPhone sparks data security warnings from experts
After a Cantopop star's iPhone ended up in Shenzhen, experts share how to protect your data.
Hong Kong boy band Mirror member Stanley Yau recently lost his iPhone 13 Pro when it slipped from his pocket while he was riding a motorcycle. Using Apple's tracking feature, he initially located the device at Cheung Yin Building in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. However, within days, the tracker showed the phone had crossed the border into mainland China, landing on Huafa South Road in Futian District, Shenzhen—home to the world's largest electronics market. Yau made a public appeal online, joking that the phone was worthless and asking for its return, but the incident sparked widespread concern about data security.
Information technology experts note that retrieving lost or stolen devices from mainland China is extremely difficult due to jurisdictional challenges. They emphasize the importance of proactive data protection measures, including enabling Find My iPhone, using strong passcodes, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly backing up data. Experts also recommend using remote wipe features immediately upon loss to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. This incident serves as a reminder for users to secure their devices before a loss occurs, especially when traveling near borders.
- Stanley Yau's iPhone 13 Pro slipped from his pocket while riding a motorcycle and was tracked from Hong Kong to Shenzhen.
- The phone ended up on Huafa South Road in Futian District, a major electronics hub, highlighting cross-border theft risks.
- Experts advise enabling remote wipe, strong passcodes, and two-factor authentication to prevent data breaches upon device loss.
Why It Matters
High-profile phone theft highlights cross-border risks and need for robust data protection measures for all mobile users.