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PNP warns of rise in social media hacking as deactivation of unregistered SIM cards starts
Philippines
National
PNP warns of rise in social media hacking as deactivation of unregistered SIM cards starts
PNP warns of rise in social media hacking as deactivation of unregistered SIM cards starts
Published Jul 26, 2023 05:09 am
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Updated Jul 26, 2023 05:09 am
Anti-cyber crime experts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned netizens of expected escalation of hacking incidents in the social media with the full implementation of the SIM registration law.
Police Brig. Gen. Sidney Hernia, director of the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), said they expect a tendency to shift to social media hacking for illegal money-making ways as the use of unregistered SIMS would be pointless with the automatic deactivation of those which failed to register.
"We expect that with the full implementation of the SIM (Subscriber Module Identity) Registration Law, scammers will try to use Facebook Messenger and other social media messaging apps to scam/con other people,” said Hernia in a statement.
In 2021, the PNP-ACG recorded 503 reported incidents of Facebook. The figure ballooned to 1,402 last year. The two figures, however, are cases that were reported to the PNP-ACG.
From January to June this year, Hernia said they have already recorded 743 of Facebook hacking.
“These figures demonstrate a concerning upward trend, indicating a substantial increase in cases involving Facebook hacking over the years,” said Hernia.
“Cybercriminals are continuously devising sophisticated methods to exploit compromised accounts, causing severe financial and emotional consequences for the victims,” he warned.
The modus
Hernia said the main objective of the hacking is to manipulate the identity of compromised account owners that would enable cybercriminals to orchestrate various fraudulent schemes.
“These unscrupulous individuals leverage the hacked accounts to create deceptive scenarios, tricking others into sharing personal information or providing financial aid under pretenses,” said Hernia.
Various netizens have warned and reported about how their accounts were used by hackers to pretend that they are in need of help for medical and other forms of financial problems. The hacker would instruct the victims on how to send money.
Some of the unsuspecting Facebook friends would then yield to the request, unaware that they were already dealing with a hacker.
Here’s what you should do
To protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these malicious activities, the ACG urges all Facebook users to adopt the following essential security measures:
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): By activating 2FA, an additional layer of security is added to your Facebook account. This process requires a verification code, often sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password when logging in, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Refrain from accessing your Facebook account via public Wi-Fi networks, as they are vulnerable to hacking and data interception. Utilize secure and private internet connections to safeguard your data.
3. Log Out of Devices When Not in Use: Always remember to log out of your Facebook account after use, especially when using shared or public computers. If your mobile device is lost or stolen with your Facebook account still logged in, thieves can gain access and exploit your account for deceptive purposes.
“Securing your Facebook account is vital not only in protecting your personal information but also in preventing cybercriminals from using your identity to victimize others. Together, let us stay vigilant and take proactive steps to create a safer online community,” said Hernia.
“If you suspect any suspicious activity or believe your Facebook account may have been compromised, please report it immediately to Facebook's support team or contact your local law enforcement agency,” he added.