Microsoft to add an anti-theft kill switch for Windows Phone 8.1

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Anti-theft features are coming to handsets everywhere and now Microsoft plans on adding some of its own for Windows Phone 8.1 users.

The software maker just posted a blog story detailing its plans to include anti-theft features in a forthcoming update, which will prevent thieves from using absconded devices.

Earlier this April Microsoft signed on to CTIA's Smartphone Anti-Theft Voluntary Commitment. Now the Redmond company promised a Find My Phone feature for Windows Phone 8.1 will come before the CTIA's scheduled goal in July 2015.

Lock it up

Anytime before next July is a long time for the new feature to show up, but once available Microsoft claims the tool will allow users to remotely erase personal data on the smartphone.

Addtionally users will be able to lock up the device rendering it useless except for making calls out to 911 and other emergency numbers around the world. Once rendered inoperable, the device can only be reactivated with the original owner's authorization.

If the user is lucky enough to get back their device, Microsoft also says that users can restore their handset using data stored in the cloud.

Hands off!

Anti-theft aren't just a good idea, they've become a proven asset at lowering smartphone thefts.

Since the introduction of iCloud Activation Lock for Apple's iOS 7 devices, the London police have noted a 24-percent decline in iPhone thefts. Meanwhile, in San Francisco there's been a 38-percent drop.

Microsoft isn't the only interested party in the smartphone business for anti-theft features. Earlier this April, the software maker was joined by an alliance of device manufacturers including Samsung, Google, HTC, Nokia, Motorola and Huawei who all signed the same afformentioned CTIA commitment.

It's just a matter of time before every device maker comes out with their own device security solution.

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