Beirut, November 1, 2024 | In yet another wave of terror, strange and threatening messages and communications by the Israeli occupation have been circulating among people in Lebanon. Here, we share with you the latest news about digital rights in Lebanon and tips from our Digital Safety Helpdesk on how to stay safe.
Calls from “incomplete” numbers
Many people in Lebanon are worried about receiving calls from numbers with only seven digits instead of the usual eight. Some have shared screenshots of these suspicious numbers.
Upon answering one of these calls, a person claiming to represent the Israeli occupation army issued a threat, ordering them to evacuate specific areas in Baalbek before the regular bombing commenced. This happened hours after the occupation military’s Arabic spokesman posted evacuation threats on X addressing residents of Baalbek.
A source from one of the telecommunications companies in Lebanon confirmed to SMEX that the perpetrators used Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to create fake numbers that looked like Lebanese numbers to make these calls.
An Israeli App is collecting data on your phone!
If you have a Samsung M or A series phone, the Korean company may have installed software from a third-party Israeli company that collects user data from applications for “commercial purposes.”
If you are in the Middle East and North Africa region, this Israeli app is often pre-installed on devices. It collects information such as fingerprints, IP addresses, and geographical locations. This data makes it easy to identify the user, potentially exposing them to real risks.
Deleting this app takes a lot of work. Luckily, this video guides you through the steps to disable it.
“Electronic chips” in aid packages?
In recent days, images of electronic chips discovered in in-kind aid delivered to shelter centers in Lebanon have circulated widely on social media.
According to Maharat Foundation, a Beirut-based non-governmental organization for freedom of expression and the media, the chips found in the packages were nothing more than trackers whose goal is to prevent theft and identify textile and linen products, ensuring they are compatible with industrial washers.
Official agencies have also previously discovered similar chips in coffee bags that had been sent. It was confirmed that these chips are simply preservatives used to prevent the product from spoilage.
In disturbing times like these, rumors and fake news can easily spread. We advise you to verify any uncertain news before sharing to avoid causing fear or panic among people.
Are you receiving strange WhatsApp notifications?
If you’ve recently received messages asking for codes or pins to verify your identity on WhatsApp without requesting it, you are not alone.
This is nothing but a WhatsApp glitch that has affected many users in Lebanon and other countries. The Whatsapp Help Center and the Digital Safety Helpdesk at SMEX confirmed the glitch.
While this may just be a bug, beware of those who could exploit this opportunity!
Here are some tips that will help protect your accounts and enhance your online security, brought to you by our Digital Safety Helpdesk:
- Activate Two-Step Verification (2FA): If you encounter issues while setting it up, try again after 24 hours.
- Expect Notifications After Activation: You may still receive additional notifications after enabling two-step verification, but rest assured, you won’t be logged out of the app without your consent.
- Keep Codes Private: If you receive a verification code, do not share it with anyone, even trusted individuals.
- Review “Linked Devices”: Regularly check for unfamiliar devices linked to your account. If you spot any, log out of them immediately.
- Keep WhatsApp Updated: Ensure you’re using the latest version of WhatsApp for optimal security.
More suspicious messages to Lebanese numbers
Suspicious messages continue to circulate among people in Lebanon; some appear intended to spread fear, while others may aim to hack devices and steal data.
Sending texts through messaging apps is easier than SMS, as senders can create fake WhatsApp or Telegram accounts using internet-based phone numbers. The sender then activates these accounts and sends suspicious messages, often relying on random number generators in a specific country.
SMEX advises ignoring these messages: do not click on any links, and avoid downloading any attached photos or videos.
If you still suspect any form of digital threat, contact our Digital Safety Helpdesk:
Signal/WhatsApp: + 961 81 633 133
Email: helpdesk@smex.org
Stay safe!
Photo from AFP
