Hello! This is Shemihaza, the Sentinel. Suddenly, have you ever panicked, saying, "Huh? My smartphone is gone!"? A smartphone is indispensable to our lives, truly a "treasure." But what if you lose that treasure…? It's terrifying just to imagine, isn't it? In fact, losing your smartphone isn't just about losing a means of communication; it can escalate into a major problem where your personal information is put at risk. Today, let's talk about some special ways to protect your precious smartphone and information in case of an emergency.
Terrifying Things That Can Happen If Your Smartphone Is Lost or Stolen
- ▸① Your personal information could be completely exposed!: Your smartphone contains a lot of private information such as photos, contacts, and messages. If the screen lock is bypassed, this information could fall into the hands of malicious third parties and be misused.
- ▸② Your money could be spent without your permission!?: If online banking apps, electronic payment services, or credit card information are registered on your smartphone, there's a risk of fraudulent use. In some cases, this could lead to huge bills…
- ▸③ Impersonation!: There's a possibility of falling victim to 'impersonation,' where your social media accounts are hijacked, defamatory or fraudulent posts are made in your name, or your identity is used to interact with strangers.
- ▸④ Stalking or SIM swap fraud: Your location information could be misused to monitor your movements, or you could get caught in 'SIM swap fraud' where your SIM card is reissued and your phone number is exploited.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
- ✓Check if your screen lock is properly set. Set up facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, or a hard-to-guess passcode or pattern.
- ✓Check if 'Find My iPhone' or Android's 'Find My Device' feature is enabled. This allows you to locate your smartphone, or remotely lock and erase data in an emergency.
- ✓Check if your smartphone's 'Location Services' are turned on. If it's off, the find feature cannot be used.
- ✓Check if your important data is regularly backed up. Store information you don't want to lose, such as photos and contacts, on the cloud or your PC.
- ✓Delete unnecessary apps and services, and only use what you truly need.
- ✓Familiarize yourself with the details of your carrier's loss and theft support services in advance.
- ✓For accounts with two-factor authentication, keep backup codes stored separately so you can log in even if you lose your smartphone.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
If you lose your smartphone or it gets stolen, don't panic, but consider the following actions. First, search your surroundings and places you visited, and if you have any leads, try contacting those places. Then, immediately contact your communication carrier and ask them to temporarily suspend your line. Also, don't forget to file a lost property report (or a theft report if stolen) with the police. Furthermore, it's important to remotely lock your smartphone and erase any stored data. Contact your bank and credit card companies to check for unauthorized use and change your passwords.
For consultations regarding troubles such as scams, malicious websites, or personal information leaks, please contact the Consumer Hotline (188). For consultations concerning the possibility of criminal damage or cybercrime, please use the police consultation dedicated phone number (#9110).