These days, losing your tablet or phone can be like losing a significant portion of who you are. Unauthorized transactions can become a big worry because these devices hold a lot of financial and personal information. It’s imperative that you take these preventive as well as retroactive measures to protect yourself.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES:
1. Know where your data is stored
Payment details are kept in wallets on SIM cards, devices, or the cloud. In the event that a phone is lost or stolen, knowing where the information is kept is useful.
2. Secure your data
To secure access to your device, use biometric locks like fingerprint or face recognition or strong, one-of-a-kind passwords. You can increase the security of your accounts by turning on two-factor authentication. Use distinct passwords for your device and payment approvals, and never divulge your PIN or password to third parties.
3. Keep devices updated
Make sure you have the most recent safety features on your tablet and phone by updating them frequently. These updates frequently fix vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit.
4. Lock your devices
Use a screen lock at all times to avoid unwanted access. The possibility of fraudulent transactions can be considerably decreased with even a basic password or PIN.
5. Monitor your devices
Be mindful about where and how you use your devices, and keep an eye on them. Check your transaction history and mobile wallet frequently for any odd activities.
RETROACTIVE MEASURES:
1. Contact your service provider
Get in touch with your service provider right away if your smartphone is stolen or misplaced. The gadget can be deactivated, put back to factory settings, and added to a national database of pilfered electronics. This will stop it from working on any cell network in Canada.
2. Report to local law enforcement
To document the loss, report it to the nearest law enforcement agency. This might help get your device back on track.
3. Notify financial institutions
Get in touch with your bank and credit card provider immediately to block your accounts if you believe there have been any fraudulent transactions. This will reduce possible harm and stop more illegal transactions. They can help you with the recuperation process and have procedures in place to deal with such problems.
Learn more on how to protect your accounts and financial transactions at: https://newscanada.com/en/Lost-your-phone–Protect-yourself-from-unauthorized-transactions-139480
Reference: https://newscanada.com/
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