How to Protect Yourself from Mobile Theft and Cyber Crime: A Guide to Using Sanchar Saathi
Sanchar Saathi is a portal launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India to help users manage and secure their mobile connections. It offers services like CEIR, which allows users to track and block lost or stolen phones, and TAFCOP, which helps check and report unauthorized mobile numbers linked to their Aadhaar. The Know Your Mobile (KYM) feature lets users verify mobile devices before purchase. This portal enhances security, prevents fraud, and ensures transparency in telecom services.
It’s important to note it’s not just about losing a mobile; it is also about a cybersecurity aspect. Nowadays, mobile phones have become a storehouse of all personal and financial data, and the theft of a mobile device is not all about the device cost; it means a huge risk in cybersecurity by itself. Once criminals get hold of a stolen device, they can exploit it to get hold of sensitive information, commit financial frauds, and sometimes engage in identity theft. This is the need of the hour-and what the Sanchar Saathi portal of the Indian government prescribes: a large-scale remedy for theft of a mobile device against cyber crimes.
What is Sanchar Saathi?
A person under Sanchar Saathi is an initiative of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, which seeks to empower people to safeguard their mobile connections. It provides a few very important services as follows:
CEIR (Central Equipment Identity Register): A tool that allows a user to block a lost or stolen mobile.
Know Your Mobile (KYM): A verification for users to know if a mobile device is original or not.
TAFCOP: It helps the user in identifying and managing SIM cards registered under his name. (Telecom Analytics for Fraud Management & Consumer Protection)
Users can access it at https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/ to safeguard their mobile connections.
Understanding Sanchar Saathi:
Sanchar Saathi for blocking lost or stolen mobile devices: By blocking the lost device IMEI from unauthorized access, it’s going to prevent unauthorized use for those who steal or lose the phone. Verify the authenticity: Before purchasing, know if your mobile device is genuine.
Manage connections: Identify and manage SIMs registered under one’s identity. Report on fraudulent communications: Be able to flag without further ado suspicious calls or messages to prevent scams.
Read Sanchar Expressions to take an initiative and proactive step in trying to lock down one’s mobile devices.
How Cyber Criminals Exploit Stolen Mobile Phones
Cybercriminals employ stolen mobile phones in various vices, such as:
- Unauthorized financial transactions: access to a bank app, UPI accounts, wallets.
- Identity theft: impersonation based on personal profile information to establish false identity.
- Social engineering attacks: impersonation of the victim to scam associated contacts.
- Data retrieval and blackmail: stealing personal photos, messages, and other sensitive data.
Mobile theft is now a gateway to cyber crimes. Thus, swift actions should be taken and the available cybersecurity tools put to use.
Real Life Example
Source- Times of India
A recent incident in Lucknow highlights the tactics used by mobile thieves to exploit stolen devices. A gang from Jharkhand was apprehended for stealing smartphones and accessing the owners’ bank accounts to siphon funds. They specialized in bypassing security locks, reactivating e-wallets, and transferring money. Stolen devices were often sold in neighboring countries, complicating recovery efforts. Notably, they operated from boats on the Ganga River to evade police detection. In one case, a victim lost ₹7.5 lakh shortly after his phone was stolen. This underscores the importance of promptly reporting lost devices and utilizing tools like the Sanchar Saathi portal to block and track stolen phones.
Using Sanchar Saathi to Secure Your Mobile Device Against Theft
1. Blocking Lost or Stolen Mobile Devices
When you Lose your Phone Or Steal it: File a Police Complaint to Your Local Police Station and Keep a Copy of It.
- Duplicate SIM: Contact your telecom service provider and obtain a duplicate SIM card for lost number. It is compulsory for verification purposes.
- Preparation of Documents: Take copies of Police report, identity proof, invoice with purchase details of the device saved. Visit the Site for Blocking:
Go to the Sanchar Saathi CEIR portal.
- Fill in the requested details in the form to block the IMEI number of your device, attaching the necessary documents.
- A Request ID for status tracking will be generated after submission.
- The device will be blocked across all telecommunication networks. It will be rendered unusable.
2. Checking for Authenticity of Mobile Device
- Before the purchase of a new/used mobile device:
- Check IMEI Number:
- When a device dials *#06#, you get that device’s IMEI number.
- Via SMS: Just send KYM <15 digit IMEI number> to 14422.
- Online: Check the device through Sanchar Saathi KYM portal.
- This will authenticate the device to show that it is original and neither reported as stolen nor counterfeited.
Source – https://ceir.sancharsaathi.gov.in/Home/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Tracking and Managing SIM Cards With Your Name Registered:
- Go to the TAFCOP Portal: (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/)
- Website up to date with newest list TAFCOP.
- Enter your mobile number and test it through OTP.
- You’ll see the list of active SIM cards linked to your name.
- Identify other cards that are not so familiar and report them for deactivation.
- This way one can avoid identity misuse for creating illegal SIMs.
4. Registering a Scam Call or Message If an unlawful call or message reaches you then:
Use the Sanchar Saathi App: Download from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Fraud Communication can Reported Right from Their Call Log.
The initiation is all about securing and preventing mundane scams.
Users can access it at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dot.app.sancharsaathi
Additional Cybersecurity Measures
Beyond using Sanchar Saathi, adopt the following best practices:
- Use Strong Screen Locks: Implement biometric locks (fingerprint, face recognition) and robust PINs or passwords.
- Enable Device Tracking: Activate features like “Find My Device” for Android or “Find My iPhone” for iOS to locate, lock, or erase your device remotely.
- Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Avoid conducting financial transactions over unsecured networks; consider using a VPN for added security.
- Regularly Back Up Data: Use cloud services or external storage to back up important data.
- Stay Vigilant Against Phishing: Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information to unverified sources.
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your device’s operating system and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
Safety Measures for Sanchar Saathi Users
For Android Users:
- Enable Google’s Find My Device – Helps track, lock, or erase your phone if lost.
- Use Strong Authentication – Set up fingerprint, face recognition, or a strong PIN/password.
- Check Linked Mobile Numbers – Use TAFCOP on Sanchar Saathi to detect unauthorized SIMs linked to your Aadhaar.
- Block Stolen Phones Immediately – Report lost devices using CEIR to prevent misuse.
- Avoid Third-Party App Stores – Download apps only from the Google Play Store to prevent malware risks.
- Enable Play Protect – Automatically scans installed apps for potential threats.
For iOS Users:
- Enable Find My iPhone – Helps locate and remotely erase your iPhone if lost or stolen.
- Set Up Face ID/Touch ID – Adds an extra layer of security to your device.
- Monitor SIM Card Usage – Use TAFCOP on Sanchar Saathi to check for unauthorized SIMs linked to your Aadhaar.
- Report Lost Devices via CEIR – Block your stolen iPhone’s IMEI to prevent misuse.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Secure your Apple ID and iCloud to prevent unauthorized access.
- Download Apps Only from the App Store – Avoid sideloading apps to reduce security risks.
Why Learning Cybersecurity is Essential?
With rising cyber threats, individuals and businesses need to be aware of security best practices. Enrolling in a cybersecurity course can help individuals:
- Understand different types of cyber threats.
- Learn how to protect personal and organizational data.
- Gain skills in ethical hacking, penetration testing, and digital forensics.
Several institutes offer cybersecurity courses tailored for beginners and professionals. These courses cover topics such as network security, malware analysis, and ethical hacking, providing essential skills to combat cyber threats.
Conclusion
With mobile phones being an integral part of our lives, their security is paramount. The Sanchar Saathi initiative offers essential tools to block stolen devices, verify mobile authenticity, and manage SIM cards. However, personal cybersecurity measures and education in cybersecurity courses are equally important to stay ahead of cybercriminals. By adopting these best practices and leveraging government-backed platforms, we can effectively safeguard our mobile devices and personal data from cyber threats.
Stay informed, stay secure!
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