Methods and systems are provided for remotely securing data in a wireless device. A user sends a data message containing instructions for securing data to a remotely located wireless device. Securing data includes recovering data, purging data, locking the wireless device, and locating the wireless device within a communications network. After the data message is sent, a determination is then made as to whether the wireless device is active in the communications network. If the wireless device is active, the data message is sent to the wireless device. If the wireless device is inactive, the data message is temporarily stored in a database until the wireless device is determined to be active. An application program resident on the wireless device is executed upon receiving the data message to secure the data. The data message also includes instructions for retrieving data for identifying an owner of the wireless device.