The increase in the number of cell phone thefts and reports of bank apps being hacked after the crime has occurred has raised concerns about how to ensure the protection of confidential data. According to data from the São Paulo State Department of Public Security, 2020 cell phone thefts or robberies were reported in 300 alone. In May of this year, the data shows that 63,2% of crimes involving data theft were also linked to cell phone theft.

The problem I had already alerted Procon-SP, which notified the main banks in the state to take a position on the security measures of their respective applications. The idea was precisely to find out what the financial institutions have done to ensure protection of user data in case of cell phone theft.

To help you avoid headaches if you become a victim of a robbery or simply lose your cell phone, we will list some valuable tips below. material was prepared by lawyer Francisco Gomes Júnior, former president of the Business Ethics Committee and the Business Law Committee at the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB).

Never save passwords on your cell phone

The first tip is basic, but few people follow it. The expert recommended that users never store passwords on their cell phones or any other electronic device that could be hacked. The best way is to keep them in a safe place, preferably offline.

Lock apps with different passwords

Still on the subject of passwords, the lawyer's recommendation is that users opt for as many codes as possible on their cell phones, and not just for the simple unlocking of the device.

According to Gomes Júnior, “in addition to the password to unlock your phone, it is recommended to have specific passwords to access each app.” And there is more. The lawyer recommended that users also use a password for the device’s chip itself, the famous SIM PIN.

Double checking at banks

This tip from the lawyer is very much in line with the concerns of users and Procon itself about protecting confidential data in the event of cell phone theft. Gomes Júnior advised users to double-check their banking apps, but not to opt for SMS as a confirmation method.

According to the lawyer, in the case of a cell phone theft, the criminal will be able to access the SMS quickly. Therefore, the tip is: Confirm the information by email, and then contact the bank or financial institution by phone with confirmation of the information.

Make a bigger and harder to guess number

The expert revealed that most cell phones allow users to create a longer password than the default, which is only 6 digits. To do this, simply access the settings and enter digits, letters and, in some models, special characters.

Note down the IMEI number

The IMEI is a kind of “chassis” of the cell phone and, according to the expert, is of fundamental importance for protecting data in case of theft. Write down the number in a safe and offline place (as you should do with passwords) and, in case of theft, notify your carrier immediately. This way, the device will no longer be used.

Remotely wipe data

This tip given by the lawyer is exactly the same one that Procon itself recently made available to users, and it only applies to those who have been the victim of theft and want to ensure data protection. The tip is simple: if your cell phone is stolen, run to a computer.

The idea is to immediately erase data remotely. It's easy to do, whether your phone is an Android or iOS device.

File a police report and notify the banks

Another tip that seems basic, but not everyone follows. If you are the victim of a cell phone theft, immediately file a police report, either in person or online, stating that your data may be at risk. This will ensure that you are protected in the event of misuse of your data.

The same tip also includes the notice to financial institutions about the crime you were a victim of. Do this to request access to the applications and cards that may be linked to your cell phone. The lawyer also advised the user to consult the Central Bank website to make sure that there was no fraudulent use of the data.

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