Have you ever lost your cell phone? If you found it—did someone else return it to you? Was it in the hands of a stranger for a period of time?

Apparently, most Americans would have rummaged through that lost phone of yours. Symantec recently conducted a study where they lost smartphones on purpose. The phones were bugged with tracking and logging software that kept track of where the phones went and what information was accessed.

“To spice up the test, the phones had an obvious file named ‘contacts,’ making it easy for any finder to connect with the phone’s rightful owner.   But the phones also offered tempting files, with names like ‘banking information,’ and ‘HR files.’  

Some 43 percent of finders clicked on an app labeled ‘online banking.’ And 53 percent clicked on a filed named ‘HR salaries.’ A file named ‘saved passwords’ was opened by 57 percent of finders. Social networking tools and personal e-mail were checked by 60 percent. And a folder labeled ‘private photos’ tempted 72 percent.

Collectively, 89 percent of finders clicked on something they probably shouldn’t have.

Meanwhile, only 50 percent of finders offered to return the gadgets, even though the owner’s name was listed clearly within the contacts file”

The results are pretty shocking to us—especially when you realize that most, if not all, of the lost phone finders weren’t criminals. These were normal, everyday people who found a lost phone and decided to snoop.

So how can you prevent this from happening to you? First, you can set a passcode on your phone—half to three quarters of people don’t take this simple step that adds a layer of protection. Second, you can invest in a device that prevents phone loss. Our Wireless Leash is made especially to make sure you don’t ever find yourself without your phone.

How do you protect your phone from being lost?