To face virtual threats:

The technology and telecommunications company advises not to share personal data on social networks, avoid opening suspicious emails and periodically review applications that have transactional attributes, to prevent third parties from accessing credit card numbers and passwords.

Appropriation of passwords or telephone scams are some of the examples of frauds to which we are exposed with the so-called SIM Swapping, a cybercrime characterized by the impersonation of the identity of cell phone users.

But how do we realize if we are being affected by this type of fraud? As explained by the technology and telecommunications company, generally, a person who is a victim of this cybercrime is automatically left without service on their phone, so they cannot make or receive calls or text messages. In addition, they are suddenly left without coverage and internet.

The reality is that, due to increasing digitalization, this type of fraud has increased not only in Chile, but also in Latin America. In fact, between 2019 and 2020, in our country there was a 29% rise in internet scams, according to data provided by the Cybercrime Investigation Brigade of the Policía de Investigaciones (PDI). And in the first five months of 2021 alone, there was an 89% increase compared to the same period last year.

Fernanda Mattar, Entel’s assistant manager of Security Engineering, explained that the increase in this type of cases is due to the fact that “we use our cell phones not only to make calls and send messages, but also to carry out all kinds of daily tasks, from sending emails to making bank transfers. This, added to the carelessness or misinformation of users regarding the secure handling of personal information, has given rise to third parties being able to access your private information and gain access to passwords and bank codes”.

To prevent and reduce SIM Swapping, Entel recommends:

• In case you have stored confidential information (passwords or access credentials) in mobile devices, it is necessary to constantly review and take care of the use that is being given to this type of data.

• If you download applications that have transactional attributes, you should be aware of reviewing them periodically.

• Avoid sharing personal information openly through social networks and, if you do so, make sure you know that the person is trustworthy and is who he/she says he/she is.

• It is not advisable to open suspicious messages, advertisements or links. In such cases, it is necessary to first check whether the offer and company are real.

For more details on these tips, Entel has available the website Ciudadano Digital, dedicated to educate and support its customers and the community in general, in matters of data protection and cybersecurity, focusing on self-care and awareness. It can be visited free of charge at entel.cl/ciudadano-digital.