SIM hijacking or SIM swapping

SIM hijacking or SIM swapping

SIM swap, also known as SIM hijacking or SIM swapping, is a type of attack in which a fraudster convinces a mobile phone company to transfer the target's phone number to a SIM card that the fraudster controls. This allows the attacker to intercept calls and texts meant for the victim, as well as potentially gain access to the victim's online accounts that are protected by two-factor authentication (2FA) using SMS messages.

SIM swapping is often carried out by social engineering the mobile phone company, either through impersonation or through manipulating customer service representatives. The attacker may also try to gain access to the victim's personal information, such as their date of birth or account numbers, in order to more easily convince the mobile phone company to make the switch.

To protect against SIM swap attacks, it's important to use strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts, enable 2FA whenever possible, and be cautious about sharing personal information with unknown parties. You should also consider using a security key or an authentication app for 2FA instead of SMS messages, as these methods are generally more secure.

 

Top 11 methods to stop SIM swap

sim hijacking prevention

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from SIM swap attacks:

1.     Use strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts.

2.     Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible, and use a security key or an authentication app instead of SMS messages for 2FA.

3.     Be cautious about sharing personal information, such as your date of birth or account numbers, with unknown parties.

4.     Consider using a virtual phone number for online accounts, rather than your primary phone number.

5.     Keep an eye on your phone's activity and be aware of any unexpected changes, such as sudden loss of service or unfamiliar phone numbers appearing on your bill.

6.     If you suspect that your SIM card has been swapped, contact your mobile phone company immediately.

7.     Use a mobile security app to monitor your phone's activity and alert you to any suspicious activity.

8.     Keep your phone's operating system and apps up to date with the latest security patches.

9.     Use a secure, encrypted messaging app for sensitive communications.

10.If you are traveling internationally, consider using a local SIM card or a international SIM card instead of your regular SIM card, as this may make it harder for an attacker to carry out a SIM swap.

11.Consider using a mobile phone plan with added security features, such as a personal identification number (PIN) required for SIM card changes or the ability to remotely lock your SIM card.

 

This will help you to better protect yourself and your data from a variety of different types of cyber attacks.