Cybersecurity experts provide guidance on fraud prevention and device theft

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, experts and government agencies are issuing guidance to help individuals protect their digital identities and financial assets from increasing cyber threats.

In the event of mobile phone theft, immediate action is critical to prevent fraud. Recommended steps include remotely locking the device via Google Find My Device or Apple’s Find My, blocking the SIM card and IMEI to prevent identity theft via SMS, and notifying banks to restrict access to digital wallets. In Argentina, users can call *910 to report theft and block lines.

To prevent common attacks such as phishing, smishing, and vishing, authorities like Mexico’s Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) recommend activating multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all sensitive accounts, including email, social media, and banking. Other essential practices include using robust, unique passwords, avoiding the sharing of verification codes, and keeping software updated to patch vulnerabilities.

In Peru, users of the Yape digital wallet are advised to call 1820 immediately following a theft to block cards and prevent unauthorized transactions.