Protect Your SIM Card

We already know we must protect our personal information from potential cyber attacks. To do this, we need to adopt a series of security measures, such as backups, two-factor authentication, and strong passwords. It’s also important to secure your SIM card with a password only you know.

The PIN code is a personal identification number. By enabling the lock feature, you protect your SIM card, as the phone will ask you to enter the PIN every time the phone is turned on, restarted, or inserted into another device. This adds an extra layer of security that prevents others from making calls, using mobile data, or sending SMS messages on your device.

This feature is usually disabled by default, but you can easily enable it. Each operator provides a default PIN code, which you must enter to enable the lock feature and change it to one only you know. The default PIN and the PUK (which is the code used to unlock the SIM card) are usually printed on the SIM card's original packaging. Remember to keep these codes in a secure place.

That way, if your phone is stolen and someone tries to install the SIM card in another device or restarts your phone, the SIM lock screen will appear. If the criminal doesn't know the PIN, the SIM card functions will not be available.

To enable the SIM card lock feature on Android devices, go to: Biometrics and security " Other security settings " SIM card lock settings and enable the block using the PIN provided by the operator. Then, change the code to one of your choice.

If you have an iPhone, go to Settings " Mobile Data " SIM PIN and enable the SIM PIN option. Then, enter the PIN code provided by your operator and select the Change PIN option to set a code of your choice.

If the PIN is entered incorrectly three times, the SIM card will be locked until a personal unlocking code (PUK) provided by the service operator is entered. If the PUK is entered incorrectly ten times, the SIM card will be permanently locked. If you no longer have access to this code, you can request the PUC from your operator, who will verify your identity before providing it. Once you have the code, you'll be able to unlock the SIM and the issue will be solved.

Description
In the first scene, a woman is holding her cell phone in her hand. Next to her, there’s a SIM card and a dialogue bubble with a hidden password. A message appears at the top of the screen: “Protect your SIM card with a password.”

In the second scene, the woman uses her cell phone while the device's screen appears beside her, displaying the lock settings. She enables the SIM card lock, and the phrase “Enable the SIM card lock” appears at the top of the video.

In the third scene, the woman selects the “Change PIN” option, deletes the default password, and sets a new one. The phrase “Change the default PIN” appears at the top of the screen.

In the fourth and final scene, at the top of the screen there’s a phrase that reads: “Whenever you turn on the device, enter the PIN to unlock calls, data and SMS messages.” The character claps her hands, and a speech bubble appears indicating that the SIM card is now locked. Next to the bubble, the cell phone screen prompts for the PIN code to unlock the SIM card's functions.