Keeping Your Mobile Device and Information Secure
Security
With today’s devices, the entire world can be at our fingertips. With this valuable and constantly growing technology, it becomes more and more important that we keep our devices secure and our personal information safe. A stolen smartphone can be merely an inconvenience, or it can present a risk of identity theft.
The Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (CWTA) offers resources to promote the safe use of mobile devices and to help consumers reduce risk. “Protect Your Data. Protect Yourself” is an industry-led initiative designed to help ensure Canadian mobile users have the information they need to keep their personal information safe and secure.
Tips to Keep Your Mobile Device & Information Secure:
- Set a password on your phone.
- Ensure that the password you use is effective.
- Configure your settings to ensure that your device locks after a short period of time.
For more tips and information on mobile safety for both you and your device, visit the CWTA’s website at https://www.devicecheck.ca/protect-your-data. For more information on the CWTA, visit www.cwta.ca.
What if My Device is Lost or Stolen?
If you believe you have misplaced your device, contact us. We will put a temporary suspension on your account to prevent fraudulent usage on your account while you try to locate it.
To report a lost or stolen phone or if you subscribe to Eastlink Device Protection and require a replacement, contact us at 1-888-345-1111 or visit us at one of our retail stores.
If you were the victim of a personal theft, it is imperative that you contact your local law enforcement agency to report the incident. Also contact us. We will place a temporary suspension on your account and/or have the device permanently suspended, so it cannot be reactivated on our network without your permission.
When you report your phone as lost or stolen, your account will be suspended, and your phone cannot be used and your device IMEI will be blacklisted to prevent resale activation. However, in order to keep your mobile number, the account will remain in our billing system. You will still be responsible for the monthly service charges as well all charges incurred up to the time you report your handset stolen.
Tips to Reduce Your Risk of Theft:
- Be sure to use a strong device lock code or password to restrict access to your device.
- Be mindful of where you leave your device. It is best to keep it secure on your person when not in use.
- Set up & use built-in tracking apps in order to track or erase you device if it becomes lost or stolen.
- Write down your device details such as phone number, device make/model, IMEI and any PIN details and store them in a secure place at home.