The latest plan by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to audit registered SIM cards is a tacit admission of the government’s incompetence in addressing cybersecurity threats, especially mobile phone text scams.
A good friend of mine recently fell victim to a task scam via text message, losing over Php100,000. Despite reporting it, the only response she got was an investigation, essentially saying there’s no way she’ll get her money back. This personal story highlights the devastating impact on ordinary Filipinos and the government’s failure to provide adequate support.
Text scams aren’t just a financial issue but a public safety concern. The proliferation of these scams has created fear and mistrust among citizens, impacting the digital economy which relies on secure information exchange.
The SIM Registration Act aimed to combat text scams by requiring users to register their SIM cards with valid ID. However, the ill-equipped system allows individuals to submit fake information, making it easy for scammers to use untraceable SIM cards. This act has made things worse, with SIM cards now registered under fake identities.
The government’s response to the text scam epidemic has been thoughtless and inconsistent. While blocking URLs and links in text messages is a step, it’s not enough. We need a unified, coordinated response involving all stakeholders and comprehensive public education on recognizing and avoiding scams.
The handling of text scams highlights a cybersecurity emergency demanding immediate action. The DICT and CICC must immediately address the issues surrounding the implementation of the SIM Registration Act. A coordinated strategy involving all stakeholders especially the country’s top telcos is essential to safeguard citizens and restore trust in our digital infrastructure. Without urgent measures, the text scam crisis will escalate, causing severe financial losses and further eroding trust in digital communications.
The time for decisive action is now; the security and confidence of the nation depend on it. But how can this be possible without true technologists leading the charge? More on this in the next column.
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Rafael “Raffy” Gutierrez is a seasoned Technology Trainer with over 25 years of experience in networking, administration, systems design, and various Microsoft core technologies.
