Update: 20% of mobile phone users may lose digital payments access
Did you notice the increase of spams you get suddenly doubled? As the deadline for SIM registration approaches, scammers ramp up their phishing activities, attempting to trick users into clicking fake links to obtain login credentials and personally identifiable information. Their goal is clear: to steal your hard-earned money.
The government introduced the SIM Registration Act (RA11934) to aid law enforcement in crimes involving SIMs and to serve as an effective tool for tracking and stopping cybercrime. Starting on December 27, 2022, SIM registration involves attaching an individual's personal information to a SIM card. A database containing SIM owners with unique identifiers can make it easier for authorities to track someone behind any suspicious or criminal activity. With RA11934, commonly known as the SIM Registration Act, it will be easier for law enforcement agencies to pinpoint the cybercriminal or any other individual engaging in illegal activities, making it easier to investigate and prosecute the offender.
SIM users, both for physical and embedded SIMs, are required to register until April 26, 2023. Register existing SIMs within this period to avoid the deactivation of the SIM. All new SIMs are now deactivated and will only be activated after the user completes the registration process.
This new measure aims to strengthen mobile communication security and deter cybercriminals from exploiting SIM cards for nefarious purposes. Linking SIM cards to their owners' identities will make it more difficult for scammers to carry out phishing and other online scams using untraceable SIM cards. However, users should remain vigilant and follow best practices to protect themselves from SMS phishing and other cybercrimes.
SMS phishing, also known as smishing, is a form of phishing attack where scammers send text messages to users, attempting to trick them into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. The messages usually impersonate reputable organizations, such as banks, government agencies, or popular online services, to create a sense of urgency or importance.
SMS phishing scams typically involve crafting a deceptive message, including a malicious link, and stealing the user's information after they enter it into a fake website. To protect yourself from SMS phishing attacks, be cautious of unexpected text messages, especially those containing links or urging immediate action. Do not click on links within text messages from unknown or suspicious sources. Instead, independently navigate to the organization's website using a trusted URL, or contact the organization directly through their official channels.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts to add an extra layer of security. Regularly monitor your account activity and set up alerts for suspicious activities or changes. Keep your devices and software updated with the latest security patches, and install a reputable mobile security app to help detect and block phishing attempts. Report suspected phishing messages to your mobile service provider or the organization being impersonated to raise awareness and protect others from falling victim to the scam.
Also, beware of the growing threat of fraudulent phone calls, a deceptive tactic employed by cybercriminals to obtain your personal information and login details. These scammers, often posing as legitimate representatives from well-known organizations, banks, or government agencies, use sophisticated social engineering techniques to manipulate and deceive their targets. They may pressure you into revealing sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, or financial account details, to gain unauthorized access and exploit your accounts. To protect yourself from these malicious attempts, it is crucial to remain vigilant, never disclose personal information or login credentials over the phone, and independently verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited call before taking any action.
As the SIM registration deadline nears, users must be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to safeguard their personal information and finances from cybercriminals seeking to exploit the situation.