One of the most beneficial advancements with the arrival of smartphones is data storage.
Instead of needing multiple envelopes for personal documents, now users can simply use a single handheld device to store all personal documents.
However, with this convenience comes the risk that personal information can be easily stolen by criminals and used for unlawful activities such as phishing and other cybercrimes where individuals' identities can be exploited.
To safeguard data stored on smartphones and make them "theft-proof," the Department of Information and Communications Technology's Cybersecurity Bureau (DICT-Cybersecurity) has shared six tips for the public.
To enhance security, the public was advised to "password-protect their apps and notifications."
DICT recommended using "unique passwords or personal identification numbers (PINs)" for critical apps like banking, and also suggested disabling lock screen notifications.
"It might be a minor inconvenience, but it keeps your data and one-time codes safe from prying eyes," DICT said.
The agency also emphasized the importance of setting up data backups and turning on the "Find My Device" feature.
Consistent backups protect your valuable contacts and information, ensuring they are accessible even if your phone is lost or stolen.
By activating "Find My Device" (Android) or "Find My iPhone" (iOS), you can track, lock, or wipe your lost phone remotely, adding an extra layer of security.
Moreover, the agency provided additional tips to enhance smartphone security: "set a screen lock," set a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card PIN," and "encrypt data."
With the introduction of the government project, eGov Super App, smartphones can now serve as proof of identification.
This app enables users to generate an electronic ID that can be used for various transactions with government branches.
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Related to this article, the DICT-Cybersecurity also released a set of recommendations that the public should follow if they have lost or had their phones stolen.
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https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/10/what-to-do-if-your-phone-gets-lost-or-stolen