Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan Uy has issued a warning about the possible presence of IMSI catchers in public spaces, devices capable of intercepting mobile phone signals and compromising privacy.
IMSI catchers, also known as “stingrays,” operate by mimicking legitimate cell towers, tricking nearby mobile phones into connecting to them. Once a phone connects, the IMSI catcher can collect the IMSI numbers of devices, enabling it to track their location, monitor activities, and intercept calls, text messages, and data traffic.
Uy emphasized the importance of vigilance, urging the public to report any suspicious activity in their surroundings.
He advised that unusual behavior such as individuals with backpacks pacing back and forth or vehicles repeatedly circling an area could be signs of IMSI catcher operations.
The warning comes as part of ongoing efforts to protect citizens’ digital privacy and security against growing concerns over surveillance technology.
The DICT continues to monitor and address potential threats in both urban and rural locations, emphasizing that awareness is the first step toward safeguarding personal information from unauthorized interception.