Hello! This is Shemihaza, the Guardian (Sentinel). Smartphones are indispensable to our lives. They're not just a means of contact; they can be a substitute for a wallet, or filled with precious memory photos... truly a "treasure," right? But what would happen if you accidentally dropped your smartphone or someone stole it? Just thinking about it sends shivers down your spine. Today, I'm going to talk about ways to protect your valuable smartphone and information from such worst-case scenarios!
Scary Things That Can Happen If You Lose Your Smartphone!
- ▸① Your personal information exposed! Not just your phone number, address, and email, but also your precious private information like photos and SNS interactions could fall into the wrong hands.
- ▸② Money used without permission! Many people use 'Osaifu-Keitai' (mobile wallet) or 'QR code payment.' If your smartphone isn't locked, there's a risk of your money being spent without your consent. Credit card information could also be seen.
- ▸③ Identity theft! Your SNS accounts like LINE, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram could be hijacked, leading to annoying messages being sent to friends and family, or even being used for scams by impersonating you.
Checkpoints to Protect Yourself
- ✓Confirm your screen lock is properly set: Make sure to set a password, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition, and choose something that cannot be easily guessed.
- ✓Confirm your 'Find My Phone' feature is turned on: iPhones have 'Find My iPhone' and Androids have 'Find My Device' built-in. Check immediately if these are 'on' and if location services are also enabled.
- ✓Confirm you regularly back up important data: Save photos, contacts, and other data to your computer or cloud regularly so you won't be in trouble even if your smartphone is never returned.
- ✓Confirm you have noted down your 'IMEI number' for emergencies: This is a unique identification number assigned to each smartphone in the world. It may be necessary when filing a police report. You can check it in the settings.
- ✓Confirm you have set a lock for your SIM card: To prevent your SIM card from being removed and misused, you may be able to set a PIN for your SIM card.
What If You Lose Your Smartphone? Calm Responses
Even if you actually lose your smartphone, don't panic. Calmly follow these steps.
- ▸① First, locate it using the 'Find My' feature!: Log in to 'Find My iPhone' or 'Find My Device' from a family member's smartphone or computer, and check where your phone is on the map. If it's nearby, you can also make it play a sound to find it.
- ▸② Lock your smartphone remotely (remote lock): Even if you don't know your phone's location, you can remotely lock the screen or display a message like 'Please contact the owner' along with your contact information. This is the first step to prevent misuse.
- ▸③ Erase all smartphone data remotely (remote data wipe): If it seems unlikely to be found and you're concerned about your personal information being misused, you can, as a last resort, erase all information on your smartphone. However, once erased, it cannot be recovered, and you will no longer be able to use the 'Find My' feature afterwards. Make this decision carefully.
- ▸④ Change passwords for important accounts: Immediately change passwords for services linked to your smartphone, such as Google and Apple IDs, SNS, and online banking.
- ▸⑤ Contact your mobile carrier to stop the line & report to the police: To prevent further phone or internet usage, contact your mobile phone carrier to stop the line. Then, file a police report at a nearby police station. Providing the IMEI number may help the investigation proceed more smoothly.
Where to Seek Help When in Trouble
Please contact the Consumer Hotline (188) or the Police Consultation Dial (#9110). If you suspect unauthorized use of your credit card, call your card company immediately to arrange for its suspension. It's important not to panic and to act calmly. Protect your valuable smartphone and information through daily preparation!