Factory reset and component inspection: the keys to buying a second-hand smartphone

Jan. 11 (Portaltic/EP) –

The second-hand smartphones They are one of the options that users have to purchase latest generation models at a more affordable price, however, prior to purchasing, some must be taken into account. measures to ensure use without security riskssuch as inspecting that all components are working properly and performing a factory reset.

Although after the Christmas festivities come the winter salesa moment in which users take the opportunity to acquire technological devices at lower prices, The most advanced models of these products remain expensive.

This sparks interest in second hand shoppingwhich allow access to advanced technology items at a more reasonable price. According to data collected by Statist, e-commerce second-hand goods in Spain exceeded 149 million euros in the third quarter of 2023.

Thus, one of the common products when purchasing second-hand are ‘smartphones’, given that users find cheaper alternatives to next-generation mobile phones and promote more sustainable consumptionby offering a second chance to a device that still guarantees good operation.

Despite these advantages, it must be taken into account that a second-hand purchase can also entail some security problems at both the ‘hardware’ and ‘software’ levels. Therefore, it is advisable to carry out some pre-purchase checks to ensure a good experience.

RISKS OF SECOND-HAND SMARTPHONES

This is what the ESET cybersecurity experts warn, who put on the table three possible risks to be warned against in purchases of second-hand smartphones.

Specifically, one of the risks that cybercriminals can exploit is the use of outdated software. This is because, as explained by the company, some second-hand devices for sale are already a few years old since their launch and, therefore, can stop receiving security updates from the manufacturer.

This makes them easy targets for multiple cyberattacks, allowing attackers to Malicious actors exploit known vulnerabilities in these operating systems.

Following this line, another of the risks that these ‘smartphones’ present is that, having been used previously, contain pre-installed ‘malware’. That is, the previous owner has installed malicious ‘software’ either intentionally or accidentally.

With ‘malware’ installed, users run the risk of cybercriminals steal your personal informationsubscribe them to unwanted services or even spy on your conversationsas ESET has warned.

In addition to all this, the company has also pointed out that, in some cases, second-hand mobile phones suffer from lack of reconditioning. This is because “Not all devices go through rigorous controls.”

This is the case of, for example, telephones sold by individuals or by unofficial platformswhich can sell smartphones with hardware failures or configurations that compromise the security of the new user, without the ability to check them beforehand.

As the director of research and awareness in Spain of the cybersecurity company ESET, Josep Albors, points out in this regard, purchasing a second-hand phone without due precautions “could expose users to security problems, from ‘malware’ to residual data from the previous owner.”

KEYS TO A SECURE PURCHASE

Faced with these risks, ESET has also indicated that users can avoid possible consequences by carrying out a series of protection guidelines, to ensure that they are completing a safe and functional acquisition.

Thus, among the keys to buying a second-hand smartphone, experts point out the importance of choose trusted sellers. That is, opt for recognized platforms and companies specialized in reconditioning that also offer guarantees on the condition of the device.

Likewise, before purchasing, experts also recommend Check device software compatibilityin order to verify that it is compatible with the most recent versions of the operating system.

With this, users will be able to confirm if the device will receive more security updates in the future to, If you do not receive them, avoid purchasing them.

On the other hand, ESET has highlighted the need to carry out a factory reset to smartphone once purchased. This way, users can ensure that the device is completely clean, removing any data, settings or applications that the previous owner installed.

In addition to factory reset, users will also need to inspect the hardware of the mobile, that is, verify that all the physical components, including the screen, buttons, cameras and the connection ports are in good condition and work correctly.

Finally, ESET has pointed out that it is also important invest in security solutions, installing reliable protection software to detect and eliminate possible threats such as malware or suspicious applications.