With the increased availability
and affordability of smartphones, more and more of our sensitive and personal
information will be easily accessible, cross referenced and integrated through
our device. As personal and private data become more valuable to businesses and
those with malicious intent, it is imperative that consumers understand the
various implications associated with a lost phone, particularly related to information
stored within the device.
Although in some cases, financial losses
are substantial, we should also not neglect the lost of one’s reputation, not
to mention the mental and emotional distress that can also come with it. Communications
and Multimedia Consumer Forum Malaysia (CFM) advises consumers to take
proactive steps to safeguard their information and perhaps, a bit of their
“sanity”:
STEP
|
ACTIONS
|
1
|
Retrieve and retain own mobile device IMEI number
|
2
|
Identify preventive measures now
|
3
|
Recovery actions after the phone is lost
|
Consumers should retrieve the IMEI
number of their device and keep it separately in a secure place. The IMEI
number can be obtained by typing *#06# on their device and the 15-digit IMEI
number will instantly appear on the phone screen. Another way to retrieve the
IMEI number is by viewing the SIRIM certification sticker located at the back
of the phone, under the battery.
The IMEI number is an important record
to keep because it is an identifier to the device and, in some ways similar to
our IC, it links various information to the user, making it identifiable to specific
activities linking names, time and places. This is also the number that the service
providers need to facilitate the process of deactivating and blocking the phone
and consequently prevent it from being used by unauthorized parties.
As a safeguard measure, consumers
can install specific apps that can assist in backing up all important data that
are in the phone, which includes telephone numbers, photos, videos and other
digital files. This action can avoid the hassle of losing important contact
details and other important digital data and can be restored easily not only in
cases of lost phones but also when the phones are damaged.
Consumers can also take proactive
action by installing at least one tracking application on their mobile phone
which can be the first step to check if the phone is really stolen or misplaced
before lodging a report. There are many free tracking apps available in the
market downloadable from mobile app stores.
In the case that the phone is
lost, consumers are strongly advised to change their passwords for sensitive accounts
immediately to avoid their personal information from being used in fraud and other
criminal activities. Some highly sensitive information such as financial,
online banking, cloud sharing accounts should be changed to avoid unauthorized access
to sensitive information such as soft copies of documents (IC and photos). Passwords
to social media accounts should also be changed to avoid identity theft and
impersonation, among other things. There are also mobile apps that can try to
delete all important data in your phone remotely should you require such a
function.
Finally, the consumer should immediately
report to the police if their phone is lost, especially if it was lost in a robbery
or break-in. Although the chances of recovering your phone might be low, notifying
the authorities could prevent further financial, reputation and emotional
damage. Consumers are therefore advised to take the necessary preventive
measures even before the enforcement is in place.
About
CFM
The Communications and
Multimedia Consumer Forum of Malaysia (CFM) was established and designated by
the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in 2001. It is a
platform for the industry and the consumers/public to make coherent and
constructive contributions to service improvements and policy development.
CFM is tasked with, amongst
others, to promote growth of Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry
and the protection of consumer interests by fostering the highest standards of
business ethics and behavior through industry self-governance. CFM is also a
channel for complaints redress on Communication and Multimedia services.
If you have unresolved
complaints about your Communication and Multimedia services, please lodge your
complaint by calling CFM’s toll free number 1-800-18-222 or visit CFM’s website
at www.cfm.org.my or
write in to enquiries@cfm.org.my.
