Lost or Stolen Electronic Equipment

Have you lost or had electronic equipment stolen, such as a PC, mobile phone, or tablet? This guide walks you through the first and most important steps to take.

If you lose or have electronic equipment stolen — whether a PC, mobile phone, or tablet there are important steps you can take. Whether the device is owned by USN or is personal, there are a few key things to consider.

USN-owned equipment

If the equipment belongs to USN, contact IT support immediately.

When you get in touch, please provide the following information:

  • What type of equipment is missing
  • Your employee username
  • Contact details so the case can be followed up
  • Serial number or antitheft tag (if known)
  • Whether the device was locked or unlocked
  • Whether the device was on or off
  • Whether any sensitive data was stored locally

If you had sensitive information stored on the lost device, IT will immediately take action to limit damage:

  • IT will block access to the device and activate remote wipe if possible
  • All active sessions registered to your user account will be reset

If the equipment is a mobile phone: The subscription must be blocked immediately through Telia Business customer support at 05051 or via their website.

You should also secure your account access:

  • Change your USN password as soon as possible
  • Reset two-factor authentication if the device had it enabled
  • Consider whether any other passwords need to be changed

If the equipment was stolen, the theft must be reported to the police. This can be done through the police website. Please note that USN equipment is not insured, read more about travel insurance here.

Employees must document that IT has been notified, the password has been changed, and a police report has been filed (in the case of theft).

Personal equipment containing USN data or access

  • Consider filing a police report
  • Notify IT if the device contained USN data or access credentials
  • Change your USN password as soon as possible
  • Reset two-factor authentication if the device had it enabled
  • Consider whether any other passwords need to be changed
  • If possible, lock the device using the manufacturer's security features

Recovered stolen equipment

  • The device must not be used again until IT has inspected it
  • Return it to USN
  • USN will assess whether the device can be reused after a security check
  • If a third party purchased the device without knowing it was stolen, they may file a police report and seek compensation through their own insurance

Prevention

Make sure all valuable data is stored in secure locations with backups. You can read more in the storage guide.

Also use encryption and lock your device when it is not in use.

You can further protect yourself by doing the following:

Apple device:

  • Log in to iCloud.com and set the phone to "Lost"
  • Select "Find iPhone"
  • Locate the device on the map, tap the <i> (information) icon, and choose "Lost Mode"
  • The device will be locked with a message displayed, and tracking will be activated

Android device:

 

Lost or Stolen Electronic Equipment